<p>Hello, Im a high school senior and really at a turning point regarding college. Iv applied to a bunch of schools, and been offered merit aid at most of them. However, Im independent- Iv never met my father and my mother lives in Ny, caring for my disabled sister. At the moment, im living with my elderly grandparents in AZ, but they cant contribute anything to college. So far, all my finaid packages have been pretty lackluster, there are a lot of gaps. I understand why, but its still a little disheartening. Theres one college that really intriguing me though!</p>
<p>Its a really small college in Southern California called Soka University. Iv recently received my acceptance and done some pretty deep research on the place :) </p>
<p>It certainly seems like an amazingly beautiful campus! Ill include some links to a few at the end of the post. There are a few things im worried about, however. Its terribly small- around 100 entering Freshmen- and many of the students are from oversees. I like the aspect of meeting a variety of new and diverse people, but wonder if it would be easy to survive without feeling Claustrophobic ? </p>
<p>Everyone who graduates earns a BA in the liberal arts with a concentration in humanities, international studies, environment, or another topic I always forget. I would want to pursue the international studies track.. A semester of junior year is spent studying abroad in a country which speaks the studied language(Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish). It sounds so exciting! </p>
<p>They also waive tuition if your family makes under 60k.. as an independent I sure do..
Does ayone have any thoughts on soka university? Anyone go there or know anyone who has? I would be very appreciative for any insight :)</p>
<p>I guess im just afraid of making the wrong decision.. Its such a small school and biased on Buddhist principles. Im not Buddhist, nor do I particularly want to become one. I don't have a real religion, per say, but im also not an atheist- would Soka be like the Jesuit schools iv applied to?</p>
<p>Some of the other colleges im considering: </p>
<p>ASU- instate, hope to get the obama scholarship which pays for everything</p>
<p>Seton Hall- this was really my first choice, I want to go into international relations and they have special programs with the U.N... But I got my Finaid award today-17,500 scholarship- but also 18k in loans!</p>
<p>Randolph Macon- accepted, 12,500 scholarship- got my finaid award.. about 12k in loans- all federal ones, though 6000 is unsubsidized</p>
<p>Hendrix- accepted with 10,000 scholarship, but they gapped me 11k in finaid- after federal loans :(</p>
<p>Loyola New Orleans- Accepted, 12,000 scholarship</p>
<p>Regis University-Accepted 10,000 scholarship</p>
<p>Roanoke: accepted 11,000 scholarship</p>
<p>Drexel- accepted, no money :(</p>
<p>Drew- accepted, 8000 scholarship</p>
<p>Saint Mary's College in California</p>
<p>Loyola Chicago- Accepted no money :( </p>
<p>Beloit- accepted, 4000 scholarship</p>
<p>Earlham- applied</p>
<p>St.John's University accepted 10,000 scholarship</p>
<p>St Olaf- applied </p>
<p>Rollins- Applied</p>
<p>Soka</a> University of America : Soka's website</p>
<p>A Few photos :)
<a href="http://www.joseitoda.org/assets/images/value/edu22.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://www.joseitoda.org/assets/images/value/edu22.jpg</a>
<a href="http://www.soka.edu/images/news_events/high-resolution-photos/hi-res-aerial.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://www.soka.edu/images/news_events/high-resolution-photos/hi-res-aerial.jpg</a>
<a href="http://www.woodbridgeglass.com/gallery_photos/soka_01_350l.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://www.woodbridgeglass.com/gallery_photos/soka_01_350l.jpg</a>
<a href="http://www.soka.edu/images/news_events/high-resolution-photos/hi-res-foundersday.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://www.soka.edu/images/news_events/high-resolution-photos/hi-res-foundersday.jpg</a></p>
