I am a junior who lives in Northeast Louisiana. I want to attend Baylor, and it is not as if my parents wouldn’t support me, I’m just nervous. My mom always tries to figure out what I want, but I feel strange talking about it. My mom still assumes I want to attend somewhere in-state. The only thing is my twin sister also wants to go out-of-state(Colorado) and hasn’t mentioned it. I know they say they don’t mind, I just do not want to mention it, and then not get in. My mom says if I want to visit somewhere we can, but Baylor is four to five hours away. How did you tell your parents?
They might not mind going out-of-state per se, but if their budget for your college only covers the cost of your in-state public schools, you need to figure out if (though financial aid and scholarships) your out-of-state or private choices have a similar or lower net price compared to the in-state public schools.
Have you talked to them about the cost constraints?
Well, it’s not as if you want to go to the University of Hawaii.
I’d start by figuring out what exactly it is about Baylor that you think would make it a good match, and taking the approach of convincing them by telling them about the amazing program they have in your major, etc.
Cost should also be something you research.
“Hey mom would you pay for me to go to college out of state?”
“Could we look at some affordable out-of-state options?” Really the main thing to be concerned about is cost of attendance.
My parents have told me cost is not an issue, but is still something I’m conscious of. Baylor is decently expensive, but I have a 4.0 and a 28 and rising ACT score. I have looked into it and Baylor offers a good bit of merit scholarships, financial aid, and other scholarships.
Run, don’t walk to the NPC website for Baylor. You can’t assume that you will get a merit scholarship or financial aid. Read some of the other posters who are being shocked about costs.
You need to know that the schools decide what your need is, you don’t get to ask for the amount that you want.
The NPC is the net price calculator, and every school has one in their website. Get your parents to help you with Baylor’s. They may not realize how expensive a school like that is, and better to have the conversation up front. A 28 is solid for Baylor (above the 50% mark) but try to get it up further.
I just told my mom straight-out.
I talked about going to California for months, until I realized we couldn’t afford it. I’m sticking to the north-east for now (still will need loans, though). Definitely run the NPCs.
Have an honest discussion not only about your interest in Baylor but also about any constraints your parents may place for your potential college choices (financial, geography etc.).