I REALLY need your advice. I got admitted into Lafayette College but I didn’t get enough financial aid. Lafayette claims to meet the full demonstrated aid of all admitted students but they failed to offer me sufficient financial aid. They offered me $60,500 International Student Grant that comprises of a $4500 loan. I have to pay approximately $7000 per annum (including health insurance and unbilled costs) if I accept the loan. After 6 months of my graduation, I have to start repaying my loan with a 5% interest rate. I contacted Lafayette College about my financial situation and they encouraged me to send an appeal. Unfortunately, they only increased my aid by $2000 making it a total of $60,500 including the $4500 loan (same as mentioned above).
On the other hand, I got accepted to Clark University, where I have to pay approximately $4000 per annum (including health insurance and unbilled costs). I got a full tuition and board merit scholarship. I belong to a low socioeconomic background and my parents can barely even manage these expenses worth $4000 but at least it is possible for them to meet ends by earning and spending smartly. I got admitted as a Presidential Scholar and I get a couple of privileges such as a stipend to do a project, tickets to special events, personal counselling from the dean and internships.
I do want to attend Lafayette College more than Clark University. I haven’t visited both campuses, but Lafayette certainly has a bigger one with better facilities. It is also closer to NYC (favorite city in the world) and offers more majors. Lafayette is a more competitive college, so the students will also be smarter and competitive. I generally get a better vibe from Lafayette (correct me If I am wrong) than Clark. Though I do believe being a scholar outweighs being a normal student. Being a Presidential Scholar at Clark is a unique distinction and achievement, but in general students are not that smart. I feel that a lot of students got admitted because they could afford to pay full tuition even though they weren’t smart enough. With less than a week till May 1st I cannot decide which college to attend.
I have an interest in Biomedical Engineering. Though neither offer that Lafayette offers Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Clark offers Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am also SUPER interested in International Relations and a possible career in the UN (which I have been told is nearly impossible ) Clark has Political Science and Lafayette has International Affairs. What major should I go for and where can I have a stable career (enough to support my family)? Can I be successful in the field of IR or is studying a science major better?
On the whole, Lafayette interests me more, but is economically far fetched. Should I contact Lafayette once again after my not-so-successful appeal? If yes, how should I contact them and what should I say? Has anyone received more aid after an unsuccessful appeal? Also, do schools that claim they meet full demonstrated aid actually do so? Is taking a loan a bad idea and how can I reduce the remaining $7000 cost? Does the scholar status make a difference? In Conclusion: what college should I choose?
I will be EXTREMELY thankful if anyone could offer me advice for any of the above statements. I’d also really appreciate if you’re a current student/alumni of these colleges and would like to share any advice or negate/support my perception about college.
Thank you. Please help me out if you can. Bless you! x
It sounds like the financial package has made the decision for you.
I didn’t look at Lafayette, but I did get into Clark and considered it. The campus isn’t beautiful except for a few buildings, and it’s pretty small (about 50 acres, I think) in a “meh” location, but I wouldn’t say the “vibe” was bad. Quite the opposite, in fact - all the students were very friendly and the school is very dedicated to community service (perhaps in part because of the campus’ size + location, which is not isolated from the rest of Worcester).
You can have a stable career with a degree either of these schools. You’ve already appealed Lafayette, so it’s not worth trying again. Clark’s a great option; move on from Lafayette.
I think either Biochem or PoliSci could work for you as a major. BME tends to require a graduate degree anyway, unlike other engineering degrees.
You’re talking about a difference of $3k, correct? If 3k is too much, you may want to reconsider coming to the US to study. Your incidental expenses will be way more than that each year, especially including travel.
Lafeyette is a better choice imo. visited both. both towns are ‘has-beens’, but Easton seems to be healthier and more on the upswing. Lafeyette is a much more appealing campus and has a special international house if I recall. Also better reputation, though Clark is included in the ‘colleges that change lives’. Clark was depressing, Lafeyette not so much. If you like sports, definitely go with Lafayette.
don’t choose a school because of proximity to NYC, especially if 3K in cost is the decision-maker, you won’t be able to afford to do anything in NYC even if you go. Compare the schools based on what you’ll get at each. But remember that you’ll likely do fine wherever you go if you work hard. use collegefactual site to compare the pros and cons of each.
Hey. I am an international student admitted to the Lafayette Class of 2020. Lafayette met my need on appeal. I suggest you write a convincing letter explaining your circumstances and give them a complete breakdown of how you calculated your financial aid. I hope this helps.
My daughter also received a Presidential Scholarship offer and nearly chose Clark. I don’t agree that it has a poor vibe: we loved the students we met there, all of whom seemed passionate about their school and their studies and seemed engaged with the community around them. Clark has an emphasis on global affairs and international engagement as well, and is offering you special opportunities. Clark is closer to Boston than Lafayette is to New York. You don’t even mention Philadelphia. My sense is you haven’t really done your homework and are acting on stereotypes. If you are going to come to the US to attend college, consider that you need to be open to a broader notion of what your education can offer you and shed your narrow notions of what will add to your “prestige,” e.g., being a “scholar” and not a “normal student.” The normal students will be your peers, not for you to look down on as “not smart” etc. Adjust your attitude before choosing a school or you will likely be disappointed with either choice. This recent article about Worcester may be of interest as well: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/07/realestate/commercial/long-a-college-town-worcester-now-looks-the-part.html
And instead of being annoyed with Lafayette because the schools very generous scholarship (sounds like for all but health and non-billed expenses) is not sufficient, be grateful that you will have an affordable opportunity to study at a fine 4 year LAC in the United States. Not to be rude, but this country and its schools do not owe anyone a free college education. There are a ton of outstanding students who cannot go to their top choice college due to financial constraints. I suggest that you make the most of the affordable opportunity that you have.
) Clark has Political Science and Lafayette has International Affairs. What major should I go for and where can I have a stable career (enough to support my family)? Can I be successful in the field of IR or is studying a science major better?