<p>So ever since I got in to NU, all my parents have said was that they don't know if it is a good idea that I go there. First of all, the whole money thing sucks, and second of all, I plan on majoring in theatre (not the most lucrative carreer).<br>
My parents are gonna chip in 15k a year, and I got 11.5k as a schollarship, leaving me w/ about 18k a year (about 72k in debt total). That sucks the big one, and so I am constantly being hounded by my parents. I try to tell them how easy it is to get a job after NU and that I am ok w/ having that debt. Yet they still don't care.
Anyone else having the same problem?</p>
<p>Well not the same problem, although I am concerned about the heavier debt load my son will carry if he goes to Northwestern. However, if he is amenable to the increased debt he will carry, then that is his choice.</p>
<p>Doesn't Northwestern have one of the best theatre programs? Could you pick up a "practical" (for lack of better term--I assume your parents would prefer you major in something that has a job title associated with it) minor/area of concentraction that would be a compromise?</p>
<p>texastaximom - you sound just like my parents w/ the whole "practical" minor or double major thing... except you seem a lot more laid back than mine are! Thanks for the advice and I know I will just have one tough decision ahead of me!</p>
<p>Yes, plenty of Theatre majors at Northwestern double-major at Northwestern.</p>
<p>how bout offering to doulbe major or at least take a few courses to see if ur interested in a science or econ ...</p>
<p>Double-majoring might get you stuck at Northwestern another year. And I'm almost positive that they don't offer financial aid for the fifth year (unless it's a special double degree program), so you would have all $42,000.</p>
<p>theater is a good pre law major...that would probably please the folks...</p>
<p>odie the grass is always greener on the other side. My kids might not find me as laid back. ;)</p>
<p>what you need are some strong arguments for what you want to do, and some back up compromises. I think your parents are just worried that you will incur too much debt, and not be able to pay it off. But no matter what the major, you are never guaranteed a job. You may not even end up working in your major field right away, or ever. </p>
<p>My dad started as an engineer, switched to English, was comissioned in the USMC and spent 28 years as a speech writer for several commadants in addition to his "grunt" jobs in the field. Then he became the curator of the Marine Corps Museum in Washington D.C. which led to job as a managing editor at the Naval Institute Proceedings. He now writes military books. As for myself, I was an Art History major with a chem minor, and my first job was writing for a newspaper without a lick of journalism experience or even a journalism class. The possibilites will be endless no matter what you choose to do. </p>
<p>Another option might be to use your electives to pick up some "compromise" classes (business, education, pre law etc...). I would definitely make sure a double major wouldn't get you stuck holding the bill for an extra year. Your theatre work will give you many good skills for any workplace---particularly good communication and presentation skills. </p>
<p>What kind of theatre are you interested in? Live performance, or some of the more technical aspects? I ask because of friend of ours majored in costume design. Another picked up a teaching certificate and started a Children's Theatre Academy to pay her bills. Perhaps your area of interest may lead you to some new job possibilities.</p>
<p>72k sounds like a lot of debt to go in. I'm not siding with your parents, but that isn't something you can pay off in a year or two...it's a pretty staggering amount of debt</p>
<p>Hey odie. I'm in the same boat as you. The only financial aid I was offered from Northwestern was loans. My dad had the same reaction with the whole debt situation, and I'm still in the process of trying to convince both my parents that Northwestern is the right way to go. But of course it's not going too well. Like you said, it stinks that we work hard from kindergarten thru 12th grade and get accepted into the college we want to attend, but then we find out that we can't go there because of one darn thing: money. I also find it amusing to see all the people who say that we should opt to go to a cheaper state school rather than take on the debt from an expensive private school. If that is the case, why don't we start grouping colleges and tell kids "Your parents have X amount of money so look on the Group C list and choose a college." I guess my guidance counselor and all of those college guides I looked at forgot to mention this little fact of life to me.</p>
<p>wowza! I leave and visit NU for a day and I return to CC and I have quite a lot of advice waiting for me. Thanks, y'all.
I'm still not sure what I specifically want to do with my degree, and after visiting NU a second time, a double major is sounding very likely.
My parents are just worried, but the thing is, i'm not. I see it this way: I'm paying for a kick-butt education, awesome experiences, unbelievable opportunities, and a whole lot more. Yet, who knows where I'll end up...</p>
<p>Odie, you are definitely not alone in the whole parent thing. stlbballfan13, you situation might as well be called mine and I'd just like to get a hearty DITTO to your rant about college selection. They told just to work hard and get the grades, but now that NU is actually a reality, they are putting the pressure on about finances, especially since my only option there is to take out huge student loans. </p>
<p>See, I got into an in-state school (UMich, not too shabby, especially cost wise), and now that I got into NU and they looked at the bills, they have been putting pressure on me, dropping hints about UMich. ("Did you know that UMich has a GREAT . . . ?")</p>
<p>Hey you guys--are you sure you understand your folks? My son is choosing between a $6000 top-drawer public school (U VA w/honors), and 3 (including Northwestern) $42.000/year schools...he sat me down the other night to ask "seriously" about the money...said he felt a lot of pressure from me to go to U VA cuz it's so much less expensive.</p>
<p>LOts of talk (all good)...bottom line: I do NOT expect him to choose U VA over the other 3 based on its hugely less expensive price tag...I'm fine w/him choosing the more expensive school(s)...I just wanted him to factor price into his thinking...</p>
<p>We're clear now...I feel bad he spent 10 days "worrying" that I was pressuring him to "go cheap"...but it all turned out to be misunderstandings about what we'd each said to each other...</p>
<p>Moral of the story: make sure you understand what your folks are really saying...they may well be more supportive than you think!</p>