I am also on Team Two Revisits! For our family, the revisits really helped with decision making when DD had more than one acceptance in hand. Even though it was an “artificially put together” day, it was one more opportunity to get a closer look at the campus facilities, faculty, culture, etc. Viewing the school through the lens of “accepted” rather than “prospective” student meant that DD was much more relaxed and able to examine the school more critically. She used the opportunity to really visualize herself as part of the school community. Not to mention that it is just much more fun to be courted rather than evaluated
It was an important and expensive decision so more knowledge and time on campus really helped to solidify her choice.
What I neglected to mention also was that there were other acceptances that we are not considering because of the lack of aid. One school stated that she is on the waiting list for aid. Another stated that she was wait listed unless we had an alternate method of payment in which case we can call them to discuss enrollment.
Congratulations to your daughter! She is very lucky. I would go to both revisits, and then, if and only if there is a really compelling reason why school A would be better for her than school B (not just liking it a little better), I would call school A and tell them she very much wants to go there but another school offered a full ride; can they do any better with the FA? If they say no, or can only add a little, then you make the call based on how strongly you feel school A would be better for her. However, what I think will happen is that both schools will seem wonderful for your daughter, if perhaps in slightly different ways, and you will follow the money. At least that’s what I would do unless I found something really evil at school B! FWIW, our scenario is more like what you would face with school A (i.e., very generous but still pushing us to our limit) and although that is just as it should be, it is by no means easy.
Congratulations to your daughter. Just my two cents…recently had a friend in similar/same situation – not sure if your exact scenario but School A ranked higher (for whatever the rankings are worth) and School B also highly ranked, though not as high (both schools top 20)…Anyway, School A gave aid that met PFC, School B offered full package and extras (throwing in a merit scholarship)…Friend went with School B reasoning “love the school that loves you the most” (smile.). Good luck.
@twinsmama and @seasidestory: Thank you so much. We will have revisit days on Thursday for School A and Friday for school B. I will post afterwards with the final outcome.
Everyone who responded has been so helpful.
Hi everyone. Just wanted to check in and say that we visited school A today. Some of you did tell me so…My daughter had a fantastic day and told me that she wish that we had not come because it reminded her of why she liked it so much. I did speak with the Director of financial Aid today who stated that enough children have not responded yet to give him an idea as to whether he can rework our numbers yet, whether there will be any additional monies available. He will get back to me and let me know. I was conflicted because I was quite impressed as well. My husband on the other hand did not waiver, though he was quite impressed his eyes remained on the prize (school B). Tomorrow we are off to school B.
I was afraid that might happen. You may have answered this question already, but I didn’t see it- are the schools exactly comparable academically and this is purely a fit/feel + financial decision, or is school A stronger academically?
@bsalum I would say that School A is slightly stronger academically according to ratings and top schools. Not enough to make a difference to me though. This may sound strange to some but my main concern with choosing a school has been extracurriculars because my children are such hard workers academically that it is important that they have a strong visual & performing arts program that they love to balance that off. I am a big believer in work hard, play hard and it has not failed our family yet. I am not at all into brands so many were surprised when we did not choose to apply to some of the “Ivies”. Fit/Feel/Finances have much to do with our decision but she does have to be happy there. She does understand and we have had many conversations about it. I am praying that School B blows school A out of the water tomorrow (in her eyes).
@Sarrip Fingers crossed for you tomorrow. Are the extracurriculars equal? visual & performing arts?
Enjoy the visit! So happy for you. We are a family that is making that hard reach stretch for kids tuition even with generous financial aid… it works out. Its the right school, care about that… not fearing money. Trust the process… even if you make the financial leap of school A, but what ever happens you have choice, that is an amazing amazing thing!!
Hey Everyone, We went to school B today for the visit and guess what??? My daughter actually likes it better than school A (her first choice)! My emotionalism was premature but then again, God does answer prayer because after visiting with school A a lot of petitions went up. She wanted to buy sweats and other things and I said to her that I am not buying all of this stuff for a school that she may not go to and that’s when she told me that she was going to school B. We signed the paperwork and handed it to admissions on the spot. I am very happy that I did decide to visit both schools. There will never be any doubts, wondering or what if. Now to write a nice letter to school A declining their very generous offer .
That is great news! It’s wonderful that you were able to fully explore both options and a clear choice emerged. Congrats to your family and DD as her BS journey begins
That wonderful news! Go school B!
Thank you @sarrip for sharing your experience. We’ve got one visit under our belts with another one today. Yesterday’s visit has been the favorite so far so it will be interesting to see how it goes. Same story with the favorite offering the least amount of FA.
@MAandMEmom, I wish you the best!!! My first one was my favorite until I got to the second one. While school B did not have all the pomp and circumstance as school A it was the most homey, relaxed environment and my daughter felt more comfortable there. Both were great choices though. Good luck!
I’m glad that worked out!
@MAandMEmom please let me know how it works out for you.
Thank you @sarrip and the best to your daughter as well. We need to wait a whole week between visits; its going to feel like an eternity (maybe for me more than her)! Trouble is school “B” is a school that most everyone would say “you just don’t say no to ‘B’!”
Congrats! We are still slogging thru the revisits. Kid said he will not make a decision till he has all the information. I guess that’s a good thing but I am getting tired of driving. next week is flying and driving. I keep the radio blasting and remind myself it is a good problem to have.
I’m so pleased for you! Good luck to your daughter in her journey forward!