<p>I visited UT Austin last summer, and really felt liked. I was ecstatic when I was accepted last month, but since them my enthusiasm has dwindled as I've found OOS tuition, room, and board is going to be 30-40k. I've also been accepted to UC Irvine, Riverside, San Diego State, Texas A&M, and Westmont College. By comparison, UC Irvine costs about 20-25K a year. My parents say they have enough money saved up for me to go to college wherever I want. However, I still have feelings of wastefulness for going to an expensive college when I could get a comparable education here in CA (the only 2 other schools I'm still considering are UC Irvine and San Diego State). On the other hand, I really want to go to UT. When I ask my parents, they just smile and tell me to go where I want. My aversion to Irvine is that it isn't social enough; my aversion to SD State is that its not academic/prestigious enough. </p>
<p>I'm not sure if I'm looking for advice or just venting. </p>
<p>One thing I'm sure of: I am extremly grateful for the opportunities presented to me.</p>
<p>It's very hard to look at those dollars sometimes and justify it - BUT money aside it seems you have a definite preference for the pricier college. Make a list of your wants and needs in a college - things like academics, dorms, town, extracurriculars, sports to watch, size, etc. etc. Measure the two up this way first. Does the higher $$ college still come out noticeably on top? Maybe it's worth the extra $$ - and it sounds like your parents can and will help you out immensely. </p>
<p>How can you help defray the costs so you feel invested in this investment? Summer jobs, work study, scholarships (even while a student). </p>
<p>We can't do alot to change the bottom line prices for schools. But sometimes our heart/knowledge has to speak over money. I also think there is more than one college that will work for most people. </p>
<p>My D had somewhat the same spot as you. We are going with the more expensive school because overall (and especially academically) it just offered more opportunities, challenge etc. than the cheaper but still good choice. There will be some loans but we are hopeful the overall academic experience will be stronger and leave her better prepared for life after school.</p>
<p>Dan: One consideration is that to a person in TX, UTA may have the same feel as UCI/SDSU have to you.....it is not nesc. that the school is so different, it is that the "going far away" thing causes you to see everything differently.</p>
<p>At any large public the social scene will require you to make your own bubble- Greek life, intermurals, political clubs, religious group, whatever floats your boat, you have to take it on and make your own bubble.</p>
<p>It is true that is easier for some people than others, and maybe easier in some majors than others! Can you make a social group for yourself? What will you pursue, do some schools have better offerings than others in that area?</p>
<p>One of my kids attended UCI, so feel free to PM me specific questions.</p>
<p>If that's what your parents said, it's surely what they mean. Take the opportunity offered to you and run with it. Thank them often and well, include them in the gettting-ready-to-go proces as much as possible, do your best in school, and above all don't be shy about sharing your joy!</p>
<p>My daughter is going to a much more expensive school than she could have, but her overwhelming joy and excitement have made every day of work and preparation completely worthwhile. If it turns out to have been the right fit for her, then I will feel it is money completely well spent. I haven't worked all these year, prayed and dreamed for my precious baby to "make do" if she doesn't have to. She doesn't and I wouldn't want her to. You sound like a great person and I wish you all the best!</p>
<p>I don't think choosing UT for that amount of money is a good idea! It's huge and underfunded, and classes are huge. For a Texas student, it's a good deal financially - and if admitted to honors programs, it can be good. But out of state without significant scholarships??? Save the money and go to UC school. Maybe your parents would let you use a little of the savings to visit Austin over your college spring break! ;)</p>
<p>There's guilt...and a little blame. This is sort of a related train of thought, and I feel horrible for even thinking it but...
I think I blame my parents for not saving better.
Ouch, there it is.
I have worked so hard in school for years and I EARNED a spot at several prestigious that I will not be able to attend because of the cost.
On a logical level, I realize that the costs at these institutions is OUTRAGEOUS and disproportionate to the actual advantage over my state school. But still.
I feel like I haven't been met halfway here.</p>
<p>I feel so horribly selfish for thinking it, but I can't really help it.
In my defense, my mother has adamantly refused to take out any loans in her own name. Something about "I won't leverage my future for yours," and "I can't put my retirement at risk for your education."
Strikes me as a little harsh.</p>
<p>is it possible to reapply to ucb or ucla next yr? if so id stay instate and transfer. They are very large with a lot to do. UCSD is amazing too. you have a lot of options so dont rush to the most expensive one. Revisit some places and perhaps youll see things that are very similar but cheaper instate</p>
<p>Mollypockets,
I can understand your thoughts - it's ok to be thinking that way and certainly you know your families fin situation and maybe what "could have been done". I believe college is a two way street - you HAVE done your job school wise - hopefully you've also saved a bit of your $$ along the way. </p>
<p>Sometimes for parents (this may sound lame) but that 18 years goes SO fast - you think you have plenty of time to save and then bam! you're looking at colleges. I too wish we had started saving earlier, but in the end we should do ok...</p>