I live in the Boston area and when I began my college search, my parents decided that they didn’t want me to be far from home. They thought that this shouldn’t be a problem, as the northeast has many fabulous schools (which is true). It didn’t really bother me up until about a month ago, when by chance I started reading about USC and it just sort of seemed to click. USC fits all of my college search criteria and the more I read about it on this forum and elsewhere, the more I want to apply. Also, I’m a NMSF, and so if I became a NMF, the merit aid from that would be a HUGE help.
Does anyone have any thoughts on how to convince my parents to at least let me apply? They’re biggest concerns are the hassle of being far away and the cost of flying me across the country, although I think there is an emotional factor as well.
If you get s big scholarship, that could easily offset the cost. Ask them to let you apply and go (with at least one of them) to accepted student days if you get in and get a scholarship.
Of course there is an emotional factor, we miss you guys when you go! But just keep in mind, you have to be admitted first and if admitted, the NMF 1/2 tuition scholarship is worth about 25K of a 70K cost of attendance, plus your travel. So you are still looking at 45K plus travel costs. Always good to keep realistic eye on what is affordable and not. Half tuition sounds great, but it still leaves a good chunk of change. Good to discuss the price tag and what they are willing to pay so you are not disappointed. Also you don’t want to invest a bunch of time in essays and money on app fees for a school you wouldn’t attend.
Im not a hs kid anymore but just take initiative and ownership over your application, awareness of costs, what you’re willing to do, and how your parents factor in now. You’re not going to convince them to think otherwise. Don’t wait for their support.
remember the only thing they can do is support you or choose not to. They can’t do much else, unless your parents are threatening you to stay, or somehow preventing your leave.
So If you’re set on USC, be willing to involve them in the areas that matter, but handle the rest. Ask for help too. Get them involved if possible.
Also be realistic. You might not get in.
I’m assuming this has already been handled though. Good luck.
My son was also a National Merit Finalist. We are from upstate NY and USC is not a common choice from our area, but I encouraged him to apply because of the guaranteed 1/2 tuition scholarship. He did and much to our surprise, he was invited to interview for a Trustees scholarship (full tuition). We flew out in February and we were so impressed with the programs and the campus. He ended up getting the full scholarship and decided to pass on many other top schools to go to USC. He is a freshman and so far we are very impressed with USC. Would I like him closer? Yes! But the opportunities he has been afforded from USC are hard to pass up. And I am not just speaking about the financial savings. My son was lucky enough to be admitted to several of USC’s signature programs and that has provided him with some really unique academic opportunities.
mbarri,
So glad to hear your son is happy at USC.
My DS was also a trustee scholar and also passed up many top tier colleges, in great part because of the scholarship. Being a trustee scholar at USC helped pave the way for him to get into his dream grad school program. He stlil loves USC and wants to become a prof there in the future!
My son also received a full tuition scholarship. You will be warned here not to count on that…and of course, it is very competitive. But if you have great stats and EC’s, LOR’s, etc., give it a shot. The money saved covers lots of travel. Don’t forget that the Freshman Application deadline is Dec. 1 to be considered for the larger USC merit scholarships.
USC was initially my daughter’s dream school. Eventually though it was she who started worrying about the distance (from FL in our case), especially as she was leaving behind a BF on the east coast. But once we flew out for the weekend after she was admitted, the extensive campus tour + sightseeing all over the LA area solved all issues All doubts faded away. Plus… FL to LAX via a 4.5 hour non-stop flight makes getting there a breeze… much simpler than she expected.
Our advice is to apply, then actually go there and judge. You never really know until you experience a college and its environment in-person.
And she is now a junior there and loves it. D2’s top choice is USC, and she is applying now.