<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I know that most of my decisions are coming only a month later but 2 of the Ohio colleges have already accepted me. OWU accepted me with a $29000/yr merit aid provided that I maintain a min GPA of 3.0 every year while Wooster only offered me $15000/yr, no GPA requirements needed. I indicated on my financial aid application that my expected contribution is $30000/yr so Wooster's offer fell short of what I need. They also specifically said that I cannot request for more aid. Forking out about $35000-40000 a year is do-able for my family but that means having no savings for 4 years and digging out all our previous savings.. so I'm thinking its not very good to ask that of my parents.</p>
<p>However the problem is that OWU's reviews online seems to be really REALLY mixed. Some students like it fine but some really seem to hate it. The retention rate also got me very worried. Even though they offered me the chance to take paprt in the Leland F. and Helen Schubert Honors Program, I'm not sure how that will add to my education experience. Can anyone shed light on how that program works?</p>
<p>In terms of school, I would actually prefer Wooster because of the independent research done in the senior year. They also seem to have better organic/free-range/vegetarian food choices. I'm not vegetarian, but I'm a pescetarian. That means I eat only veges and seafood (mainly fish - I hate prawns). I quitted eating meat like pork, chicken, beef etc about 4 years ago because of how they are reared and the hormones that are injected into them. I'm thinking if its organic/free-range I can consider eating those meat again. However even though I prefer Wooster the financial aspect would be a strain for me.</p>
<p>Can anyone help me with this dilemna? I know that the deadline for paying my deposit is still 2 months away but as an international student requesting quite substantial financial aid (I indicated I can pay $30000/yr), I'm scared that the other schools won't accept me. I applied for schools such as Amherst, Colgate, Brandeis, Bryn Mawr etc.. Some are more generous with aid but some are really limited. My mother also said that because I come from a developed country (GDP per capita in terms of ppp is among the top in the world) I would have less chance of getting aid that for example, someone coming from China. My academics are on the better side but not stellar (top 25% in my school, 2200 for SAT I and 800 for 3 SAT IIs), and extra-curriculars are ok (mostly volunteering work), but I lack leadership positions. I also think my teacher recommendations won't be good as I'm really quiet in class.</p>
<p>Really hope that I receive some good fin aid offers from my top choice schools in Apr.. Then I won't have to worry about this issue of back-up schools. It's driving me crazy :(</p>
<p>P.S Do schools usually offer less aid than is needed? OWU initially offered me $18000/yr and I received an additional $11000 after a request. Wooster offered me $15000/yr. Both schools require about $50000 per year, plus I have to pay for plane flights lasting 24hrs... which means ALOT of money!</p>