<p>i'm sorry, this is probably such a typical post at this time of year, but i don't know if it's just cold feet or something to seriously think about. i got into my top 2 schools; one of them was my favorite from the beginning, but i later gained an appreciation for the other one. i eventually chose my old favorite because of the location and closer proximity to guys (the other one was a women's college...i didn't realize how much i would want a coed environment, but it's not a complete dealbreaker). also, the other one is known for having an intense environment, which turned me off, to be honest. it took me FOREVER to choose, and i was so torn. i'm starting to feel like i made a mistake because of the high cost of my future school's location, the higher EFC, and the higher debt (about 10k more). i can't believe i gave up what the other school was offering me. it just feels like there are more opportunities there. it just seems more academic, which is weirdly what i was afraid of before, but i'm starting to feel like that's not such a bad thing. i just feel so limited at the one i chose because it's such a stretch for my family, and i have to get a summer job AND a job during the school year, and it's already more loans, and...i just feel like i made a huge mistake. the resources and academics at the other LAC are just beyond incredible, and i feel like it would be nice to have a true college experience instead of one watered down by an expensive city i can't completely enjoy. i've been told that the extra debt isn't that bad, but as someone who has gone through life without having a lot of money, i really don't want to have my options limited so early, and it's still bothering me a lot. if i really think i should change schools, do you think it'd be possible to get my spot back? it seems highly unlikely, but i don't know :(</p>
<p>is this a serious concern, or am i just getting cold feet? the chance to live in this city is amazing, but maybe not so much for a relatively poor undergrad, and i can't get past the extra debt, honestly...</p>
<p>OP, if you really feel this way it may haunt you. You might think, What if…and that would not be good either. Why not pick up the phone and call the school which offered you more money? Tell them that you have changed your mind and that you are ready to send in a deposit today (and of course wirthdraw from the other school). It is almost 2 weeks past May 1 and so you have no guarantee that their offer still stands. In fact it is just the opposite, they have already been calling people off waitlists. But do you want to know in your heart that you made a last ditch attempt? If so, call. The worst thing they can do is say “no.” It will probably feel terribly uncomfortable to put yurself out there but at least you will not be second guessing whether or not you could have reversed a decision. </p>
<p>If the answer is no, then move on. You will know that what is done is done. Chalk it up to life experience. Consider the fact that you made the decision you did because, at that time, with the information/feelings you had at that moment, it really was the one you wanted to make.</p>
<p>the thing is, there’s no way to know whether the experience of living in this city is worth the extra cost, and there’s no way to know if i would truly prefer the other school (the campus/environment) once i got there. i didn’t realize how important visits were, but i couldn’t visit anyway…i don’t know what to do. the other school was so understanding of my situation that i didn’t even have to pay a deposit!! i hate that money is such a huge factor in this, but it really is…i’m still not sure if i should contact them or not. i really wanted to be settled on this school, but i’m already having regrets. i guess they never really subsided…</p>
<p>The fact is that you chose a school and there is no turning back. You can’t live your life wondering what things would have been like if you chose a different path. It sounds like you had a choice between two great colleges and you picked one. Chances are you would have had regrets either way you went. Embrace the choice you made and stop looking back. I’m sure there are very good reasons why the school you will attend has been your top choice all along. </p>
<p>And going to school in a city can be a wonderful thing – my son went to college in NYC and he and his friends found tons of cheap/free things to do – he really felt that being in the city enhanced his college experience. </p>
<p>maybe i really should just get over it. previous commenters are right; i chose this school and it was my favorite for more than one reason. maybe i’m just being extra indecisive because it’s hard to let go of that school?</p>
<p>I say flip a coin, when it falls and your first thought is “well, maybe I should do 2 out of 3, then that’s the school you DON’T want, deep down”. If it falls and you feel comfortable, like a reaffirmation, then that’s the school you do want. (Hope this makes sense). If the school you want, deep down, happens to be the one you turned down, do as momcinco said: call, see if they’ll give it back to you. You’ve got nothing to lose and you’ll at least get rid of the “what ifs”.
PS: I’m totally in a similar situation, and am the kind of person that totally second and third guesses myself…</p>
<p>OP, $10K of extra debt is worth making a phone call for. They already waived your deposit. Previous posters may be right, it may be too late. No one knows but the admissions office. Why not get it over with and find out?</p>
<p>I agree with momcinco. The posters here won’t be paying that debt for you. I’d discuss your concerns with your parents and make the call. If the 2nd college allows you to attend with the aid package they originally offered, it’s easy enough to withdraw from the 1st college. You just lose your deposit. If the 2nd college won’t reinstate you, then you can still attend the 1st college. If you do and find it’s too expensive, you can always transfer. Good luck. Let us know what happens.</p>
<p>At the same time, start researching the scholarships or other financial awards that will be open to continuing students at your new school (for example, for a student in your major, or one who demonstrates super community service). Perhaps aim for one of those for your sophomore or beyond year. If the awards don’t just serve to reduce already existing grants from freshman year, then they might soften the financial blow a bit. </p>