<p>University of Southern Miss., Hattiesburg. They’ve made a lot of very strong improvements to the campus and curriculum; her new honors dorm is in final stage of construction and will be ready by fall so that’s a plus. She’s personally met the president and honors college dean when she gave them a tour at the state Math and Science School from where she graduates in May. Financially it is the right thing to do. She’s very familiar with the campus as she worked in the lab there last summer and her older brother attends. WHen he graduates that will certainly change our EFC factor, too. The more we think about it, the less appealing long term debt sounds. She’s coming around to that reality too. Mostly I think she is worried about being stigmatized for attending a public university when many in her class are attending top private colleges and universities; she too was accepted at U Chicago, Hendrix College, Millsaps College, and a few others in addition to Tulane honors, so not actually attending is a bitter pill to swallow. As a parent it does hurt indeed when you can’t give your children their heart’s desire. But I feel it’s in everyone’s best interests to be able to sleep peacefully, without that knot in the stomach everytime you think about next year’s higher tuition bill when the roof develops a leak and the car transmission throws a fit. Anyone else been there?</p>
<p>Hundreds of thousands of people have been there, if not millions. It is a dramatic scenario that is repeated every spring. But I think you are totally making the right decision, especially since, as you say, your EFC will go up soon. There was a great post the other day from a student that was tippy top coming out of high school and for similar reasons chose a “3rd tier” school. She is now ready to graduate and is in great shape for grad school. Oh wait, I just remembered her screen name. Going to find it…</p>
<p>Here you go, maybe this will help. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/905843-top-student-3rd-tier-school-four-years-later.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/905843-top-student-3rd-tier-school-four-years-later.html</a></p>
<p>I think I speak for everyone that while we hate to lose such an obviously talented presence at Tulane, we wish her nothing but extraordinary success and fun at USM. She will be a star there and it does sound like they have a super commitment to the program. That will help a lot. Sleep well, she will have a wonderful time there and you will have a few dollars more in the bank to help later.</p>
<p>awesome post, and very timely. Will definately have her read it. I feel better, just want her to feel the same! Thanks FC!</p>
<p>Hey has anyone else still not received their financial aid information? I have the scholarship but nothing else besides that is up. I’m just a little anxious since May 1 is just around the corner and 80% since April 5th according to the site is a long time ago. Thanks!</p>
<p>I have not heard of anyone else still waiting for their package. You absolutely need to call and make sure nothing has fallen through the cracks.</p>
<p>Hey, </p>
<p>I still haven’t received my Financial Aid Package either. I went to Destination Tulane, last Thursday to speak with my financial aid counselor, and they said they didn’t receive anything even though I filled out my CSS Profile and FAFSA back in December. Well, she looked on the FAFSA website and confirmed that I sent everything in on time… the Financial Aid Office just didn’t receive it. ***! So, now I am waiting for my counselor to figure out my package this week. Good thing I checked up, so it would be a good idea for you to call and make sure all your stuff is in order.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses! I called, emailed and basically stalked and got them checking it out now. I just found out I didn’t submit my CSS so I did that 2 days ago, but I had my FASFA so I should still get aid on time regardless right?</p>
<p>My daughter just found out tonight at 10:30pm what her FA package was. Too late to call and ask questions before enrollment is due. Guess she will still go to University of Florida</p>