<p>So, I've got a top choice for a school, of course I have others as well, but now I've run into the hard part of convincing my parents to let me go. It's out of state, but only about 5 hours away, as opposed to my 2nd choice which is in-state, 3 hours. It also costs 35,000/year, as opposed to 20ish/year. What can I do to get them to let me go to my top choice? How do I help them see around the cost, which, as far as I can tell, there main concern? I mean, we aren't low-level income, but we still don't have a quarter-mill a year either. What to do?</p>
<p>whats the school</p>
<p>American..</p>
<p>Why do you like the 1st choice better? Does it offer a major the other school doesn't? Do you have better faculty/student ratio? Does it offer other things the 2nd choice school doesn't?</p>
<p>My son could have gone to a top U. that is instate for us and one that seems to be highly desired by many students. Since it was instate, it would have been very cheap. He really wanted a much more expensive smaller, private U. and made his argument with such facts as class size, no classes taught by TAs, more research opportunities for undergrads, more interactions with profs, and was known for not being much of a party school.</p>
<p>Back up your arguments with facts....not just I like it better. Maybe you could offer some work study?</p>
<p>I've heard AU is pretty generous with merit scholarships. If you're eligible for those, it's definitely worth it to wait and compare the costs once you're in to both..I'm looking seriously at American, too :)</p>
<p>I'm guessing its Penn State versus American. I'd go with whatever school your most comfortable with. American is a really nice school, I did a summer program there and I was going to apply there RD, but I got into my top choice ED.</p>
<p>You could offer to borrow the $ to make up the difference.
You could work 60 hours a week during the summer and 20 hours a week during the school year to help pay for college. You also could plan to participate in AmeriCorps or Teach for America after graduation to help pay for your college costs.
You also could do careful applications for merit aid to every scholarship program that you could remotely qualify for.
You also could sell some of your belongings to help pay for the college of your choice. For instance, if you have a car, and Ipod or other things that are saleable, you could sell them.</p>
<p>If you prove that you're willing to sacrifice and work hard to achieve your dream, your parents may support your choice of college.</p>
<p>I cannot see how you can change your parent's mind. Your parents are thinking rationally. PSU is a higher rated university and costs only $20,000/year compared to AU, which costs $40,000/year. You said your parents aren't wealthy. How can you logically suggest going to a lesser school for twice the cost? $80,000 is a lot of money. If you were struggling between Georgetown and PSU, I'd understand. At least Georgetown is a top rated university. But how can you convince your investors (your parents), that paying twice as much for a share that has weaker speculative value is wise and logical?</p>
<p>As a parent, the only advantage I can see in American over a good state university is its location in Washington, DC. Would that provide important advantages for you in terms of your major -- internships and such? If it would, I think that is your best argument in favor of American.</p>
<p>If Washington, DC is important to you, you might also want to consider UMCP as you round out your list. It's right outside the city, ranks reasonably high, and costs less than American or GW, even from out of state.</p>
<p>It would help to know the state school.</p>
<p>Well if it's either PSU or UPitt, it probably isnt worth the extra money to go to American. Granted I visited American, and liked the area alot, but it really isnt worth it over either of our top state schools.</p>
<p>Actually, Pitt and Penn State are my second considerations. Choices above that are American, George Washington and Bucknell</p>
<p>If it's bet. Amer. and Bucknell, I'd take American because of location.</p>