<p>I had my eyes set on a good university, and thought I'd enjoy going there. I'm not exactly the ivy league or lower ivy league material, nor am I interested in going to the reach colleges which I meet the admissions requirements but I just know I'm to lazy to hold a decent grade at. But, this university has a pretty good reputation for my location and I thought I'd blend quite nicely as they don't have the meanest college transfer requirement and the average freshman gpa is mediocre. I applied to several other colleges and universities that also had good reputations just for the worst case scenario.</p>
<p>When I received my financial aid from them they said $10,000 up front. I was shocked, and wish I said, thats the worst offer I received out of 10 or so. They even skimped me on the transfer scholarship award, I was told I'd receive 5000 when I met the admissions counselor, but somehow it became 2500. I strongly believe it was because they requested my hs transcript, and I warned them I did bad in high school, "ooh no that won't affect anything, just for our records".</p>
<p>Anyway, another university (2 hours away) that is ranked higher, has higher entrance standards, better reputation, but an hour more distance of an inconvenience offered my education at $4,000 up front and a payable monthly plan for 9 months, so I have to come up with $450 or so a month. I'm deciding between that and a college that is asking for $6000 up front but about 45 minutes from home.</p>
<p>anyway, morale of the story is, apply apply apply, even if your not shooting for the very best colleges. The college I thought was for me could have wrecked my fall semester and I'd have lost time in my education. Yes, I'm very bitter, still would have loved to have gone there for it's nice and close. I'm already doing a 5 year plan because I went in a circle during my 2nd and 3rd year trying to figure *** to do in life, but this really could have wasted my time.</p>