<p>Thanks guys Feeling a little more optimistic.</p>
<p>Now that it’s down to 2 options, which would you recommend?</p>
<p>Mount Holyoke:
PROS
-offers my major (International Relations)
-much bigger international/diverse population than UMass
-nice campus, good size
-good reputation and strong alumnae network
CONS
-would go about $10k in debt by graduation
-all girls
-less diverse course offerings than UMass, because it’s smaller</p>
<p>UMass–Amherst
PROS
-would graduate with 0 debt
-better to transfer from, if it comes to that (?)
-co-ed!
-wider class offerings due to larger size (such as Zulu)
CONS
-too big–large class sizes, little interaction with profs
-not very politically/socially active (something that is important to me)
-doesn’t offer my major (!!!)
-really don’t like the culture/atmosphere
-worried about lack of academic challenge</p>
<p>At this point, I’m leaning towards MHC, although I will do an accepted students day at both. I will also see if BMC will match MHC’s aid offer, since they are reasonably comparable colleges. What does everyone think?</p>
<p>Diana, I’m glad that you have a wide variety of choices there. Good ones too. WIth UMass, you can use the consortium to get those International studies courses you want that UMass does not have. Those are some nice merit offers you have as well.</p>
<p>Though you don’t agree with what the colleges have calculated for your family to pay, this is usually the case ,and your gap is not as bad as many that come up. It’s not what your family can afford but what the formula yields that defines your need. </p>
<p>Though there is sometimes grounds to discuss your awards and try to get more, and if this is something you want to try, be aware that it’s usually loans that are thrown into the mix. GIve it a go and see how it works. My son did get his merit award doubled that way, but he was turning down ivy to go to a less known school and also had some very generous awards that he had to fax over. He was also positive he wanted to go to that school and had long ago told them so, and it was our mumbling and rumbling about cost that got him to ask. </p>
<p>You’ll be fine where ever you go, I think. COngrats on a great haul here.</p>
<p>Think of it this way…you are NOT going to get to know EVERY student at UMass. You will have your circle of friends, the friends in your dorm, and the friends in your major or a related one. If you don’t “click” with one group of friends…there are TONS of others to seek out…not the case with a very small school. </p>
<p>You seem very certain about international relations but many many students change majors…MANY. I would suggest you choose a school based on multiple criteria with a specific major as a small piece.</p>
<p>It sounds like MHC might meet many of your criteria. </p>
<p>Being debt free is a very nice thing…especially if grad school is on your radar screen.</p>
<p>@cptofthehouse-- Thanks for the reassurance, and I’m glad everything worked out for your son. Hopefully I have the same success, but if not, you’re right; my other offers aren’t bad either.</p>
<p>@thumper-- I’m sure this will come off as slightly ridiculous and naive, since I’m 17, but I really am quite sure of what I want to major in/do. I actually have essays dating back to pre-school on the topic, hahaha. Of course, I suppose a change IS possible, but I’m sure enough that I think it’s something that the decision should be (in part) based on. As for grad school, I’d say it’s unlikely but enough of a possibility that I want to keep my options open by limiting debt. I agree that MHC is looking best on paper, but I’m still rather torn so hopefully accepted students day will make my mind up.</p>
<p>I also have always had lots of male friends all my life, and would never have considered a women’s college for a minute (still wouldn’t), so I totally get your concerns. </p>
<p>I want you to take a look at the BDIC program at UMAss:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Now look at some of the the offerings in the UMASS Political Science department: World Politics, American Foreign Policy, International Law, Government and Politics of the Middle East, etc. Add in the offerings through the Consortium, and I think it will be easy for you to cobble together the equivalent of a degree in International Relations–and I’m sure it’s been done before. So take that negative off your list.</p>
<p>As for the lack of academic challenge, you are no doubt accepted into the Centennial Honors College–it’s certainly not the equivalent of Barnard, but there will be many other bright kids there attending for the same reason you are, money. </p>
<p>As for political activism, while the campus overall may not be very politically involved, I assure you that at a school that big there will be groups of activists occupying every spot on the political spectrum–you’ll find your compatriots.</p>
<p>Lastly, I think you need some negatives on the Brandeis side of the ledger to help you disengage from the idea of attending, so here are some: 1) The campus is ugly, and with its limited space, it gets more crowded and uglier with each new building–I attended Brandeis in the 70’s; It wasn’t all that attractive back then, but when I visited a few years ago with my D, I was appalled at what an architectural mess it had become. And to top it off, many of the older buildings were in a state of disrepair or just plain shabby. 2) The food is mediocre. I’ve eaten at both Brandeis and UMASS, and the offerings at the latter are more varied and tastier. 3) The social life is, shall we say, subdued. 4) Even though Boston is relatively easy to get to, no one ever goes there as often as they think they will. Brandeis students live in Waltham, period.</p>
<p>MommaJ, I appreciate your good intent, but your info on the Brandeis campus is out of date. The campus is looking good with some great, very-recent buildings and landscaping. The food, according to guide books, is among the best in Boston. It’s an amazing school but not for everybody and too darned expensive for many. Although I am a loyal alumnus and loved it, I do believe that you can fall in love with and get a great education at many schools and at an affordable price.</p>
<p>I think you have two GREAT choices, but I would go with MHC. You will have the small classes and can always take consortium classes if you want.</p>
<p>B77, I know you are the big Brandeis apologist on CC, but I was there three years ago when my D did an overnight at accepted students day, and we toured the whole place, even peeked into my old dorms. I think the campus is much uglier than it was back when I attended–buildings have been squeezed into every available space, so that all the nice sight lines that used to offer attractive views across the campus are now blocked, and the mishmash of modern architectural styles, which was always an issue, has worsened. Peeling paint and broken doors were everywhere, and Spingold Theater was desperately in need of a total rehab. But that’s been a perennial problem at the school–donors provide money for fancy monuments in their name (we used to joke that even the bathroom stalls had donor plaques), but don’t provide funds for maintenance and upkeep. And of course post-Madoff, all donations fell short of needs. But hey, it’s not just me, Brandeis is frequently cited as one of the most unattractive college campuses. I don’t think that’s a sufficient reason to not attend, but the look of the place definitely falls on the debit side of the ledger (and it sure did for my D, who cited it as one of her reasons to matriculate elsewhere). As for the food, well, maybe we got them on a bad day. But obviously my negative comments on Brandeis were meant to allay in some small way OP’s sadness about not being able to attend, and I think it would have been kinder to have left them as written. Brandeis doesn’t need your defense in every thread.</p>
<p>Dianna, if you do well at UMass, you could easily transfer to its consortium partner MH, in two years, and probably manage to tuck those courses that you find you need that are not at UM due to the fact those schools are close together, have the agreement and transportation is valuable.</p>
<p>My D1 also knew her major very early, in high school, nothing wrong with that. You might discover other avenues, but it’s fine to choose based on what you strongly feel your path is, today. But, understand that what you know now about IR and its allied fields will change as you are exposed to the variety of courses and work with profs whose own research focuses in specific areas. Eg, you may discover that your interest in IR is really more about one of its subfields. The important things is to choose a school that offers breadth on your interest area, so you can explore. The more I learn about this consortium, the more impressed I am.</p>
<p>I know it’s hard to want a particular school and shift to plan B. But, find the reasons to get excited. Every college has its trade-offs. Kids don’t always realize that. Good luck.</p>
<p>MommaJ, there is no need to subjectively denigrate Brandeis in order to advise the OP on the right fit for her, personally and financially, nor to make personal remarks about me. The OP is from Boston, undoubtedly is familiar with the Brandeis campus and can make her own evaluation of it. You fail to recognize that this is not a private conversation but a searchable public forum that potentially will influence others. Further, your information is three-years out of date. I and many others think the campus is pretty, although it is the student body and professors that are most attractive. I personally like the eclectic modern architecture—not to mention the cool medieval castle. Obviously, Brandeis has become a top university despite cynical comments like yours. Your intentions apparently are good ones, and you are entitled to your opinions, but if you’re going to air them publicly, then they are subject to being balanced by others publicly.</p>
<p>First of all, congratulations on your acceptances, and kudos to you for being open-minded about the benefits of women’s colleges!</p>
<p>As I see it, Mount Holyoke is your obvious choice. You will receive a world-class education at a prestigious liberal arts college and incur very little debt. Mount Holyoke is not as isolated as you think - as I am sure you know, it is part of the 5 college consortium, which includes two of your other schools, Smith and UMass.</p>
<p>You might want to appeal Bryn Mawr’s offer, since you like BMC better than MHC, but if it doesn’t work out, go to MHC. There are strong similarities in the cultures of the Seven Sisters, so if you liked Smith and BMC, my guess is you will be very happy at MHC.</p>
<p>College lasts 4 years. Debt lasts much longer. Mount Holyoke is a beautiful school, and your package is very generous. </p>
<p>Okay B77 I know you like Brandeis and all, but hearing about how amazing it is really isn’t helping me feel better… I personally think it’s an awesome place and am absolutely crushed over not being able to go so please don’t say any more nice things about it (I realize I’ve moved into a truly pathetic zone of whining here, but I’m just trying not to think about Brandeis/UVM right now)</p>
<p>Thank you to MommaJ, Spurster, EastCoastGirl and everyone else who gave constructive advice. I don’t really understand what an IR certificate would be-- is that different than a major? The website kind of confused me.</p>
<p>Another question-- do transfer students receive merit aid? Although MHC and BMC are great schools, I’m not sure I can see myself there for four years, and I want to know what to expect with the transfer process so I don’t get my hopes up again. If I were to excel at MHC, BMC, or UMass, would I have a chance at merit money if I transferred? Obviously need based isn’t going to cut it due to the gap in my family’s EFC.</p>
<p>It is much more difficult for transfer students to receive financial aid than it is for incoming freshman. </p>
<p>College is so very different from high school, you do not have enough information to predict whether or not you can see yourself at a certain college for four years. Four years seems like a long time, but it will go by faster than you think, especially if you avail yourself of all of the adventures waiting for you on a college campus and beyond. </p>
<p>You are clearly a bright and articulate young woman with critical thinking skills and an interest in the world. This is just the kind of person who thrives in the kind of environment BMC and MHC offer. The campuses are beautiful, you will have the opportunity to take small classes with lots of stimulating discussion, and the shared traditions and experience of a women’s college will bond you forever with your friends and with others who attended Seven Sisters schools. You can spend your junior year at a co-ed American school, or abroad. </p>
<p>There will be plenty of men to date, I promise. But college is about so much more than that. You don’t sound like the kind of person who is looking to get her MRS degree. Why not take the opportunity to spend four years in an environment completely devoted to nurturing, educating, and stimulating bright young women like yourself? Is it reality? Of course not. But you have the rest of your life to live in reality. Why not take four years to learn who you are as a person, as a woman, as a friend, as a scholar and as a citizen - in a gorgeous environment without the distraction of men everywhere you look?</p>
<p>Don’t try to predict whether you will like it or not. There must have been something appealing to you about these schools or you would not have applied to them - parental pressure aside. Most women who attend women’s colleges never saw themselves in a single-gender environment…but come time for graduation, believe me, many of them never want to leave. </p>
<p>I don’t know if you are a spiritual person, but sometimes when the stars align to point in a certain direction, I can’t help thinking, “Wow, there is a reason the universe is making this choice so obvious.” When I saw the line-up of your colleges and their financial aid packages, well…I must admit that I thought the universe was trying to tell you something you didn’t want to hear now, but that was pretty important. :)</p>
<p>In short, probably not. Other than the very top schools, even the need blind, all need met schools do not extend this to transfer students. There may be a few transfer merit awards, but the push is definitely on the freshmen.</p>
<p>diana2012, that wasn’t my intent. I think you’ve got lots of great options and I know you’ll do great! You’ve been given some good advice in this thread, including from MommaJ. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Hi Diana, keep in mind that if you are an intenational relations student you’ll probably spend at least one semester and probably two overseas. You have wonderful choices here! The location of U.Mass is fabulous and you seem to know it deep down because a bunch of your schools are there =). I know a number of kids who were sad to be “stuck” at U.Mass because it was their in state $$ option and safety but you know what? They are loving it. It’s a really great school. Familiarity breeds contempt - and it’s familiar. But actually it’s a world class Uni. I also love UVM (DS1 attended). But w/ $ at issue, you can’t go wrong with any of your cost effective choices. They’re great schools - congrat’s!</p>
<p>Diana2012,
If you plan to major in International Relations, without question you should choose MHC over UMass. MHC is well connected in the field with alumna working in consulting companies like Monitor, the state dept, and international organizations-that’s what the minor in Complex Organizations is about , organizations like the World bank, UN, etc. Their international alumni are also frequently from upper class so they have jobs or connections in international organizations, embassies in DC, etc. You will have more opportunities for great internships during January break, summer. Also, as other mentioned above, you can go at 12X if you want to attend, for junior year or go abroad.</p>
Feeling a little more optimistic.</p>