<p>Swintergreen, this sounds like a very uncomfortable situation. I’m not sure why you didn’t apply for financial aid, but I would have a frank talk with the Financial Aid office NOW if it’s really likely you can only spend one year. Early decision is binding UNLESS you are unable to afford to attend. It sounds like you leaped before you really had a grasp of the costs and how the financial aid system works. I love Whitman but I don’t think I’d want my child enrolling if it was likely to be for a single year before a transfer. </p>
<p>If you can manage to stay four years by getting a work/study jobs then I assure you that many other students are doing the same thing. Get a head start on the job you want by sending emails and resumes before you get to campus.</p>
<p>I’m sorry this has happened to you, but it has, and I would be proactive, talk to Whitman. Then reevaluate your options.</p>
<p>Great advice, bopambo. The other thought I had upon reading this post last night is that Swintergreen should also explore institutional scholarships that might become available once he’s matriculated. I’m thinking about departmental awards that come once a student has established his major, and shown competency. Also, discussing when and how one becomes an RA would be a good thing to figure out. If Whitman is generous with their RA plans, this could also be an option to help bring down the cost. I’ve known some freshmen at other colleges who have been able to become RAs as early as spring of their first year, if they show the maturity and have the financial need. Sharing your situation with the school is critical.</p>
<p>riverrunner, RA positions are really great for reducing costs, terrific idea! My son’s friends at Whitman who became RAs started the second semester of their sophomore year. I think that at Whitman they apply at the end of freshman or beginning of sophomore year and go through training. Then they are put into dorms 2nd year spring semester and continue the following fall. This means that they begin as RA’s in a fairly settled dorm environment that has already gone through the first semester excitement, giving them some experience for the following fall when first-years arrive and it’s most challenging. They can continue being RAs for their remaining school career. If I’m correct about that, it is something that would offer Swintergreen some options for reduced costs, but not immediately.</p>
<p>ardenatwhitman has given good tips on getting work/study jobs but it has occurred to me that they may not be available to people who have not applied for financial aid? Work/study is part of financial aid packages. There may be jobs at the school that are open to all students, but Swintergreen, you need to call and ask!</p>
<p>bopambo is 100% correct about how the RA process works. RAs apply in November, are assigned to sections in December, start in January, and work for the calendar year (one spring semester, then one fall semester). Most RAs start their sophomore year. There are also SA positions (Student Academic Adviser), which you generally apply for at the end of freshman year and start in fall of your sophomore year. I know a few SAs who were SAs in the fall semester, then became RAs for the spring semester and the following fall semester. I’m unclear as to whether or not SAs/RAs do not have to pay room and board, but I know for sure that both receive a stipend for their services.</p>
<p>And yes, work-study is part of financial aid. There are jobs at the school open to all students, but students who qualify for work-study often receive priority. Swintergreen, I would agree that you should try to get financial aid–and keep in mind that they are making decisions and packages for EDII and RD students right now, so you should probably call ASAP. Their phone number is 509-527-5178, their email is <a href=“mailto:finaid@whitman.edu”>finaid@whitman.edu</a>, and their website is here: [Office</a> of Financial Aid Services- Whitman College](<a href=“http://www.whitman.edu/offices-and-services/financial-aid]Office”>Financial Aid & Costs)</p>
<p>I applied to Whitman for early decision and got denied. I have a 3.64 weighted GPA, 1840 sat and almost all AP/preAP classes. My parents are also alumni, so good luck to everyone applying there, I hope you are more qualified than I am. I also went on a visit and everyone was super nice, and my hosts took me to the parties which were awesome as well. My only complaint about the school is that the girls are not very attractive. Luckily all worked out for me as I will be attending Gettysburg College in the fall.</p>