<p>My counselor has suggested that my school might nominate me for the UNC Morehead (fullride) and/or the UVA Jefferson (another fullride). Wonderful news, except for the fact that I love Princeton and some of the opportunities there. Princeton is also a whole lot smaller than UNC and UVA. So I'm considering telling my school I'm not interested in the scholarship nomination. On the other hand, I don't know that I will get accepted to Princeton, although I am probably qualified - we all know that Princeton is a long-shot for anyone. If I am accepted, my parents would have to scrape together the money, even after Princeton's fabulous aid, so international travel and even social events on campus would be limited due to limited funds. I would get these opportunities on the fullride scholarships, but these schools are not my top top choice, even though they are wonderful schools. Mostly due to size and specialized programs offered. I want to know the dean of my school and have interaction with the professors and all and I just think that will be easier at a smaller school. I am definitely going to graduate school, so I could consider UNC/UVA for undergrad and then apply to Princeton grad. Or I could wait and apply for the Robertson at UNC/Duke and see if I could get that one if I wasn't admitted to Princeton. I have to let my counselor know sometime soon if I can commit to going to UNC if I win the scholarship. My school doesn't want to nominate someone unless they can commit to attending if they win. So in essence, it is a binding decision because I will give them my word. I don't want to do it really, but how can I turn down that kind of money especially when I know how hard it will be on my parents to send me to Princeton?</p>
<p>I know there are a lot of people who would love to face this dilemma, and it is nice after so many years of hard work....but regardless it is a dilemma. I hope to some day work in a think tank type of position too, if that matters when deciding which undergrad program to go to.</p>
<p>Anyone have any words of advice? I know I don't know you all and you can't help me make this decision, but maybe you can help me think through all of the things I need to consider. Would you attend a school that isn't your first choice if they offered you a scholarship?</p>
<p>You like princeton or you like the idea of being there? If you have no other reason than you've dreamed about it for a long time, I would, in your place, take the full rides.
If you have other reasons (like an amazing program in princeton in something that you want to do that you can't do at the other schools or the programs are not as good) then weigh your options and choose.</p>
<p>Plus keep in mind that it's pretty hard to get into Princeton, you might put off the full ride and then get rejected altogether -- and that will SUCK.</p>
<p>If you want to turn down the nominations, then have your parents take you to visit both schools and come up with very specific reasons why you hated both schools. Your parents won't want you to go to a school you won't be happy at no matter how cheap it is. That's kind of cynical, and I don't think I would be able to do it, but if you can then that's what counts. </p>
<p>Here is what I think the best option is: accept the nominations and apply RD to Princeton. The odds of getting a scholarship to UVA or UNC is really slim (I would say quite a bit slimmer than getting into Princeton), so your risk is minimal. If at the last minute you feel like you are going to be offered the scholarship, but don't think you could be happy going there, then do really really poorly in one of the final interviews. Think of this option as an emergency exit. </p>
<p>I think that the educational opportunities at Princeton, UVA, and UNC will be the same if you are offered morehead or jefferson because you will receive preferential treatment and have lots of summer experiences paid for. As far as prestige goes, being a Morehead or Jefferson scholar will impress a lot of grad schools, so I don't think your career opportunities are in jeopardy. Check out the profiles of what Morehead and Jefferson scholars have gone on to do in their careers, and you will be duly impressed.</p>
<p>One final word: You pretty much have to be an athlete to receive the Morehead because "physical vigor" is one of the key components they use to evaluate applicants. So if you aren't much of an athlete, then you shouldn't bother accepting the nomination for the Morehead. This would cut your problem in half.</p>
<p>Best of luck. I am in a similar situation, and I know how tough it can be. I am sure things will turn out for the best.</p>
<p>aAsk this question to yourself. If u were blind to prestige what school would you go to? Basically what scorp said "you like princeton or you like the idea of being there" BIGGG DIFFERENCE. Go visit the schools. I agree with Scorp i would deffiantely take the full ride to those great schools. it's not like UVA or UNC are a joke.</p>
<p>Sorry, in trying to be brief, I left out key facts. I have toured UNC 4 times over 2 years, and Princeton one time. I wasn't even going to look at Ivy schools, and a teacher convinced me to look. I went to Princeton to appease this teacher and to rule it out and found so much. I am active in citizenship/national youth boards/community service - without going into too much detail - and that is why the teacher sent me to Princeton is because the fit is so good. The Woodrow Wilson school, the James Madison program, the Human Values program....awesome. I also looked at the website of some of the student groups on campus and loved that too. They are going to a 4 year residential program so I wouldn't have to do eating clubs if I didn't want to. Believe me, it has nothing to do with prestige, and for me, I was skeptical before I went. They say that wait until the fit feels right and for me it was right. But that was one visit. Regarding UNC, it was wonderful, but I never fell in love with it. I think it's size is hard to overcome. Maybe I will place posts on the UNC forum and ask students if they know the dean, and can work with members of the Board of Trustees, etc. I just really enjoy working with the leadership of the school, mostly to design service and citizenship opportunities. </p>
<p>And Weasel, 4years, allstate varsity lacrosse. If I wasn't an athlete, my school wouldn't nominate me. But good point, nonetheless.</p>
<p>2) As hard as it is to get into Princeton, winning the Morehead or Robertson isn't likely to be any easier. The scholarships are extremely competitive and much sought after. </p>
<p>3) Keep in mind that UNC is as big or small as you care to make it. I'm not a UNC student, but I know quite a few UNC professors and department heads, and I was offered the chance to do an independent study over there- I assume it's even easier for a UNC student to make these connections. Like Weasel said, UNC treats its merit scholarship winners well, and you'd likely have more opportunities than you could possibly take advantage of.</p>
<p>Good advice from all above, but listen to your gut too. My son is now regretting accepting a full tuition scholarship /Honors program etc. at a great, but large University over acceptance at the smaller university that was always the perfect fit for him. Size does matter a lot to some students. You do have until May to decide if you are accepted everywhere.</p>
<p>menloparkmom - do you mind sending me a private message so i can respond? i'd like to compare specifics if you don't mind. And although officially for the schools the decision is not until May, I have to commit to my school next week, if I accept the nomination, that if I win the scholarship, I will take it. My school has placed 40+ Moreheads at the school over the last century, and 3 placed over the last 4 years. If I make this commitment to my school, I need to be prepared to honor it. Thus the urgency of my dilemma.</p>
<p>UNC's size isn't that bad -- 15,000 undergrad? That's small enough that you'll be able to interact with your professors and get to know quite a few people in your class ... if you're going on size alone, I <em>do</em> think it's a lame reason to turn down a full ride.</p>
<p>Princeton pays for like whatever the heck you want to do when you are there, if you can tie it to academics. And their financial aid really is amazing...</p>
<p>Can you turn down these scholarships if you get them? Just keep as many options open as possible.</p>