<p>So, I have been accepted to all five schools I applied. Two of these schools I've decided I don't care for, so really, there are only three schools in the running.</p>
<p>School # 1 is my safety school. I easily got in, I'm getting a ton of merit money, and while I probably won't receive any need based money from this school, with the Stafford loan the school will be about 11-12 thousand dollars a year out of pocket. The school is a regional school which really only is connected to the state it is from and the bordering states. The town isn't big and no major cities are near by. Not too many opportunities to get involved for my major.</p>
<p>School # 2 is my first choice school. This school is significantly more expensive than the previous school, but with financial aid and merit based grants, it'll be close. Currently, the estimates are about 17 thousand a year. I have a special circumstances form because my family pays about 10 thousand a year in medical bills, so my aid may rise slightly, but not to 11k. This school isn't world renowned, but has connections throughout about half the united states and better opportunities in the surrounding area to help me with my major in college. Also, since it is my first choice school, it is believed by the admissions staff that I may get a boost in financial aid.</p>
<p>School # 3 is similar to school # 2 in terms of price and aid given. They don't have as many opportunities as # 2, but many more than # 1. They also have a special circumstances form which I will submit. This school is slightly more generous in aid than either school, so net cost will probably be about 16 thousand. They are also well known in about half the united states, with a broad alumni base.</p>
<p>I am running track in college, and Schools 2 and 3 are in the same conference. Both coaches like me, and insist they will do all they can to bring the cost down. School 1 also has track, but again, my family can easily afford it. I want to study history and politics. I want to get involved in campaigns, government, and everything else. I feel like while School 1 is easily affordable, the lack of any political activity may hurt my chances at getting a solid job out of school. Meanwhile, even though Schools 2 and 3 are significantly more expensive, the job market looks a lot better after college from those schools and gives me more opportunities to go into politics. </p>
<p>So, what do you guys think? Should I take the safety school anyways? Would it change your mind if Schools 2 or 3 cost 14-15 thousand instead of 16-18? I feel like I can bring costs down to about 13.5 thousand at those schools, so no matter what they will cost more? I'd appreciate any advice, thanks. I know I've submitted this post before, but I'd just like more input, thank you to anyone who has already answered.</p>