<p>My daughter is still weighing her options but is unenthusiastic about both of her choices, which I have posted here before. She made her first choice school but cannot attend because of money. She has a full tuition scholarship to Pitt and a $20,000 Presidential Scholarship to American. She is a potential poli sci major. She would go to Pitt if she plans on attending law school since she would be saving a bit of money. However, American has great internships and smaller classes which will all be beneficial if she does not go to law school. At this stage of the game, who knows what will happen when she graduates. She is in Honors at both schools and money will not be an issue. She is having difficulty making a decision because these were her safeties and as much as they say love your safety, it is is difficult when you made your first choice school and cannot attend. Any insight appreciated.</p>
<p>My D’s first choice was American, but she won’t be attending due to money. I think your D should consider both locations, and which city she can imagine being happy in. There are so many opportunities at American, and so much that well-connected faculty there can offer…Encourage your daughter to focus on her career goals instead of the school - which does she think will help her reach those goals? The career lasts a lot longer than 4 years, after all! Encourage your D to consider everything the schools have to offer, and not compare them to her first choice. It’s hard, and it might take a while, but like my D is also learning, settling for less than your dream is something most adults have to do, and not just once in life…it’s a tough lesson, but a necessary one, unless you are rich and extremely lucky. Not to say it’s bad to dream, just that you have to learn to also be realistic as you reach for them!</p>
<p>With a $20K scholarship to AU, her tuition will still be > $16K and rising each year. If finances were enough of a concern to rule out her top choice, I’d think that a $75K (more or less) difference over four years would be a significant factor. Pitt Honors with free tuition is a fantastic option.</p>