Sounds like familiarity breeds contempt. But if UNC is your “dream school” then (assuming you don’t get in) why not give transferring there your best shot by going to a state feeder? Seems like you are giving up on your dream rather than pursuing it.
oh and regarding about adding more match/safety schools: I like my chances at South Carolina and CofC. I also think UNCW is within reach with a decent essay. My list is built around the fact that I have a guaranteed admission safety and I like, and is affordable. So I’m not out looking for more schools to add to my list just to do it. My list are all schools that I really really like and would be very happy attending.
This decision is between you and your parents. There could be different perspectives between parents on this thread and the students. Looking at what you call your “safety”- Mizzou, your SAT scores are in the mid 25%-75% range and 87% of accepted students are in the top half of the class. I tend to be more cautious about what could be a safety- a school where an applicant is at the top of the application pool- scores above the 75%. One can assume that admission is likely, but it is not guaranteed 100% for any college.
Also, parents have different ideas about how much to spend on the student’s “like” factor when it comes to a college. Certainly, many of us would not wish a child to attend a college where he or she is truly unhappy, a poor fit, or does not have the academic programs the child is interested in. However, the costs of your out of state choices - room and board- run about $36K vs about $22K for the NC schools. With Mizzou, I would be factoring in the cost of plane fare.
So, over four years, the difference amounts to approximately $60K if you go out of state, or only get accepted out of state ( which is possible if you don’t include some more in state safeties). That’s a lot of money for the “like” factor and if you were my child, this would be either my money or your debt, something that is a strong consideration.
In some cases, the decision of how much to pay is sometimes between a lower cost college and a significantly better college at a higher cost. In this case, parents sometimes decide the higher cost is worth it. However, if my child wanted to attend Mizzou, over ECU or UNC Charlotte at an extra $60K ,we would be having a long discussion. I think choosing a college should be a joint decision between parent and child, but the finances are a reality.
In the end, the agreement might likely be to keep all on the application list, and spend some time looking at them. Then, once the decision is in, if accepted to several choices, there would be even more discussion on the costs and the benefits of each.
That’s just my 2 cents from a parent’s perspective- but it’s up to your parents.
@Pennylane2011 admission is guaranteed at Mizzou as they have automatic admission for those with an ACT above 24 or the SAT equivalent. Also, I would be eligible for in state tuition after my freshmen year, so the difference would only be one year of out of state tuition, and plane fair.
Ok well you are good then.
I don’t mean to come off as a mean parent, but as the one who pays most of the college bills, I know that the cost mentioned does not include books, travel, clothing, and more. If a student can find a college they like at an affordable cost, then savings can go to extras like study abroad, possibly summer classes, and other activities that can enhance a student’s education, or graduate programs if that is a goal. Also, students want to have a life- and an allowance for coffee breaks, eating out with friends, movies and such can make the college experience more enjoyable.
Seems that Mizzou is your safety, and so, you can pursue your other choices. Since this thread will stand for others to read, perhaps the advice about safeties can be helpful to some of them.
Why did you choose Mizzou of all other universities for a safety? I’ve seen a lot of posts but none seem to mention area of study, interests or connection to the school. I would think that would be some really important data.
@VusiWakaSimelane that’s an awesome question!! So I choose Mizzou for multiple reasons.
- I really wanted a big sports culture and a rah rah kinda school. Mizzou being in the SEC obviously fits that bill.
- My program of study is journalism, which Mizzou is ranked #1 in the country.
- The price. Mizzou allows students to get instate tuition after one year, making the cost comparable to any instate university.
The one thing from my original list of the requirements that I did have to compromise on for Mizzou is location. I wanted to try to stay a little more in the south, rather than venture as far midwest, but the pros out weigh the cons here.
Submitted my first application today!! The University of Alabama!
Right now it’s not too high on my list, but we will see how everything shakes out when all the acceptances are in.
Excited to be on the way!!
Congrats on sending in your first application!! When did you decide to apply to Bama?
Thank you!
I’m not sure when I came to the decision. It’s been on and off my list for months now, and I thought it may be good to have another solid match school.
But I have a question for everyone:
What are the rules of a recommendation that is not from a teacher?
I have worked very closely with someone who has very close ties and strong ties to the administration at one of the schools I’m applying too, and she has offered to write me a recommendation. Is this fair? Is it allowed? Would I have her just mail it to the admissions office? Any information regarding this is appreciated!!
Update!!!
Hey guys, so this is going to sound really random but it’s something that’s been going through my mind a lot recently.
I’m thinking of applying to a school in or by Washington DC.
This is pretty different from the rest of list as I have pretty much avoided larger cities for the most part, but I just have kind of a desire to at least have an option in DC.
So, if you guys could help me out and give me a few ideas of matches or low reaches in the area, that would be awesome. The only one that I could think of that may be within range was American (low reach?? High match??) what do yall think?
Also, I have decided to take the advice and apply to another instate public, ECU. I think that way I have a really solid in state match/safety, that would allow me stay in state and transfer to UNCCH.
My school total is getting a little high now(8 or 9), I know, but I’m not too worried. A lot of these schools don’t require essays or are common app, so it’s not too much extra work.
Thanks!
I’d like to second Pennylane 2011’s advice to discuss it with your parents. Washington DC has a very high cost of living which needs to be factored into the financial equation. Just my opinion as a mom.
@carolinamom2boys it is something that has been discussed with my parents. At one point in the process, the plan was for me to go to school in DC. Obviously things has shifted now, but it is still an option i want open.
That’s great. My momma instinct came out.
@ntk131998 Consider George Mason. It’s in Northern Virginia but DC is easily accessible from there. They have a pretty good journalism program. Your test scores are in range but your GPA is on the lower side. However, you’d have a better chance of getting in there than American.
Update: Tours Tours and Tours!!
Hey everyone! just wanted to provide a quick update-
Im touring Elon on Friday! I’m mainly going with a friend so she has someone to go with, but I’m interested to it see it also. And then next week, We are making a quick road trip to the other Carolina to see USC and CofC. Those I am very excited to see!!
Also, one more tour that I’m sure many of the readers of this thread will be happy about hearing, ECU. Recently I have felt that the one place I truly want to go to school is UNC, and if that means transferring in, then I’m in for it. Meaning that my list is probably looking something like this now-
1.UNCCH
2.UNCW
3. NCSU
4.ECU
5.Mizzou
6.USC
7.CofC
8.Alabama
Meaning more likely than not, I think I’d like to stay instate. Im still going to apply to at least Mizzou, just so I have an out of state option, but right now, if I had to bet one where I would end up, it would be somewhere in North Carolina.
Are you going to CofC on the 8th for their summer tour ? Big info session that date. My family will be there.
@carolinamom2boys we were planning on going on the 7th but it would probably make more sense to try to do that date. Thanks for that info!!
You can register online and they’ll have a packet ready for you
Your list looks good, I can’t wait to hear about tours, USC was one of our best tours, and Charleston is my “happy place”.