<p>I thought I was done with this site forever, but I guess it can't be helped.</p>
<p>I got the NMSF Semifinalist Scholarship to Fordham which means four years of no-tuition, and I also got into Georgetown. Gtwon hasnt told me what my FA package is going to be, but I heard it wont be anything ridiculous. To be clear, I absolutely prefer Georgetown to Fordham if money isn't a factor, but that's not how this works. The likelihood is that I'll either major in Political Economy and minor in Business Administration at Gtown or double major in International Political Economy and Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. I'm currently plan on going to law school right after undergrad, so I guess it pretty much boils down to this (assuming Georgetown's aid is limited):</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Does Gtown's prestige give me a substantially better shot at a better law school than Fordham does? I'd be more than happy to go to Georgetown Law, but my ultimate aim is Harvard Law</p></li>
<li><p>If I don't plan to live on-campus all four years at Gtown, how much of the burden does that drop?</p></li>
<li><p>My high school is actually on Fordham's Rose Hill campus, so I've literally been on that campus for four years now. Is it silly to make that a factor in Gtown's favor?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Oh and any notes on my plans for my major/minor are welcome too</p>
<ol>
<li>No. Your grades and LSAT scores are what’s gonna count here. </li>
<li>Housing is high in DC. Not going to drop much of the cost burden from what I have heard. </li>
<li>No. It would be a wonderful change in pace.<br></li>
</ol>
<p>The big question, the only question, IMO, about this since it is clear what your preference is, comes down to how much of a burden is the cost going to be for your family. Can they afford GTU? Will it be hurting them to pay and maybe borrow for you to go there? You’re a smart kid, you should know what the family financial situation kind of is. Can they afford to send you or are they being foolish in offering to do so? There is a big difference between qualifying for financial aid and being able to truly afford these big price tag schools. That they might be used to paying for private school, means that those dollars will be freed up fo college. But, GTU is expensive, as is Fordham U, and paying that kind of money is painful. Living in the NY area means that the money just doesn’t go as far, due to high cost of living, so what your family qualifies for in aid can be misleading, since cost of living of where you live does NOT come into play at all in determining financial need.</p>
<p>So talk to your parents. If they look downright scared about the GTU commitment, like sick and worried, that might be a cue that going to a school that costs much less would really be taking a big load off of them. If they are willing and able to pay for GTU, then so consider it. </p>
<p>If you can visit, do so. There are alums from your school there. Ask the hard questions, like what rent costs off campus and how expensive it ends up being to go there. It’s tough to beat GTU and the other DC schools in terms of being right there where the action is for government. But you do pay the premium to be able to live there.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that many law schools (even Harvard) will ask for your parents income and assets and will ask for a parent contribution (you won’t be considered an independent student for many top tier law schools until you are 30). Since most of the financial aid at law schools is in the form of loans (again, even at Harvard), you should work to keep your undergrad debt as low as possible.</p>
<p>@rooney1 - For what it’s worth, my son is in exactly the same predicament. He wants to go to med school after undergrad. After very careful consideration, my son is almost 100% sure that he will attend Fordham. Count your blessings on being offered a full tuition scholarship, excel in your studies and do well on your LSAT and you will have no problem getting into law school. Fordham is a fine school. Best of luck!</p>