Grinnell College or University of Rochester (can't visit)

<p>So, the two schools I will have to decide between are Grinnell and Rochester. While I will visit Rochester, my parents won't let me Grinnell, and I'm upset..not that I can't visit, but that they knew I was applying to grinnell and that it is in Iowa, but didn't stop me or say anything against it. Now they are acting as if it is not an option and saying that if I like Rochester when I visit, I'll go there.
Both schools offered very similar financial aid. I'm sure I will like Rochester, but I'm sad that I cannot visit Grinnell to compare.I like different aspects about each school on paper . What should I do?
(I live in PA)</p>

<p>If you want to visit Grinnell, use your persuasive skills to convince your parents that it is necessary. Research Grinnell and and make a list of positive attributes that make it a viable option for you…then talk to your parents. Also, be open minded and ask them why they don’t see Grinnell as an option for you.</p>

<p>What is it you like about each school? Easier to help you if you give us more info and tell us something about yourself.</p>

<p>Why don’t your parents want you to visit/attend Grinnell? Is it distance from home? Are your parents going to withhold financial aid from you if you try to attend Grinnell? It’s important to find out this information because Grinnell may not be an option if your parents are unwilling to pay the EFC.</p>

<p>The University of Rochester is a medium-sized environment in a medium-sized city (with a great quality of life, from what I’ve heard) whereas Grinnell is a small LAC in an isolated area. Two very different settings.</p>

<p>They don’t want me to visit because of the distance from home. No, they wouldn’t refuse to pay our EFC, they’re just strongly encouraging me to forget about grinnell and go to Rochester if I like it. </p>

<p>I like Rochester because of its cluster program, wide variety of clubs and organizations, emphasis on music and art (I’m not majoring in then, but I’m involved in both,) and its location (I haven’t been to the city, but I slightly prefer cities in general.</p>

<p>I like Grinnell because of its strong, personalized academics, lack of required classes, strong advising system, how helpful they are to students and providing services, and their study abroad programs and global emphasis.</p>

<p>I don’t know what I will major in, and although it will cost more to travel to grinnell, I suspect the overall cost will be very similar for both.</p>

<p>In addition to its strong academics, Grinnell has a thriving music and art scene. <a href=“http://iowapublicradio.org/post/grinnell-college-choir-commissions-work]Grinnell[/url”>Grinnell College Choir Commissions Work | Iowa Public Radio]Grinnell[/url</a>] College Choir Commissions Work | Iowa Public Radio.</p>

<p>Tell your parents you worry about being in a city with such a high crime rate. You should point out how well endowed Grinnell is and say you need to visit to compare facilities.</p>

<p>Contrary to popular belief, Grinnell does have breadth requirements.</p>

<p>[Requirements</a> for Graduation - Student Handbook | Grinnell College](<a href=“http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/studentaffairs/shb-11-12/academicpolicies/requirementsforgraduation]Requirements”>http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/studentaffairs/shb-11-12/academicpolicies/requirementsforgraduation)</p>

<p>Of the 124 credits needed for graduation, no more than 48 may be in any one department, and no more than 92 may be in any one division (the divisions are humanities, social studies, science).</p>