I don't know what to do.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Scripps College
1

<p>I need help. I have two days to decide, and it is basically all on me. I visited Scripps and I absolutely adored it. I felt stimulated, I felt special, I felt everything was there that I want in a college. The campus was gorgeous, the professors are wonderful, the students are amazing, the faculty is tremendously helpful. It has been my dream school ever since I learned of it. It's small enough yet big enough for me to feel like I am there to learn and to be taught by professors who care yet am able to do research if I am interested. The campus and dorms are gorgeous alone, add the 4 other colleges + California in general and it is sunny all year. It's just perfect.</p>

<p>The problem is the financial aid. I can't even understand why I am complaining because overall, they did drop a large amount of money for me in grants- and the total out of pocket money is now about $20,000 give or take (this includes loans that have to be paid back later- only student loans, subsidized). The "now" out of pocket money is about $17,000. Considering the costs of Scripps College, this is a dang good deal. And this is without the JES Scholarship. And my dad said before I applied, if they knock the tuition down to the in-state level, he'll consider it. And so he is, and he is willing to send me there.</p>

<p>But he talks with me, and it feels like if we invest in this it's going to hurt our financial stability. We in all truth are already not fully stable as it is. It's not like we have any "extra" money to come by for vacation or for going out to dinner or etc. And with the hurting economy I just feel like something could go terribly wrong. Also, my brother is in college right now as well and has 2 years left once this year ends. That's two years of 2 tuitions. He attends the University of Washington, but won't get his aid until June- we expect it to be the same as what I got from the University of Washington- a student loan and a parent loan. UW's total out of pocket money would sum up to be their full costs- about $20,000- which is basically the same as Scripps.</p>

<p>So really, if it's the same costs- just go to Scripps right? Yet I can't sign that deposit! I have called the financial aid office at Scripps countless times and at this point they hate me. I can't even explain what the conversation was like with the director of FA I had today because it just made me more distraught and I ended up crying at school hysterically for 2 periods. I can't even tell if I should go to college because either way I feel a guilt that we'll be spending basically 1/4 immediately of our income towards college tuition.</p>

<p>I sent my FAFSA and my CSS well in advance before the priority deadline, which is what they said to do. I did it. Yet when I got accepted, I called the FA office and apparently I had to turn in more forms of their own and send copies of tax returns. This was not stated in the admission handbook, nor on the financial aid page of their website or on the admission page. But I had called in general, so the lady said to send those in so I did and faxed them the day she told me. From the last time I had talked to her, the financial counselor sounded like she would reevalute my aid. But I called a week or two later, and this time I talk to the main director, and he says I turned in the forms way late, and if I wanted my aid to be reevaluated, I had to write that down on the forms I sent in "late" apparently. So I said sorry, and I asked if he could reevaluate it. He says okay, "MAYBE we'll get back to you by May 1 but it's doubtful."</p>

<p>Then today I call, and this time I specifically ask to talk to the lady. But she isn't there so she directs me toward the same main director. And this time he talks in an extremely condescending tone, this time to the point where he is somewhat yelling at me and noticeably angry, and says the same thing: I turned in the forms wayyy late and now it's for sure I won't get a reevaluation by May 1, and he can't do anything about it. I say I talked with my parents, and the conditional offer is just not going to have us be financially stable. So he asks, "Well how much do you need?"- and I say, well I don't really know. He then starts sighing and starts the condescending tone again. I try to explain some more, but he just keeps on talking and at that point I was just too upset to say anything so I say, "Okay. Thank you." and say goodbye.</p>

<p>It just made me extremely distraught and I started crying and couldn't stop because of it and because of the general stress from having to decide for 3 periods at school (I called during my 2nd period because it's free). I know that the financial aid office is probably extremely stressed and annoyed with all these students and parents calling them, but I'm a bit stressed myself and my parents do not have time to call themselves so it is on me. They're working to pay for my brother's tuition alone this year and to pay the bills, and never get home before 5, which is when the office closes. And my parents just in general don't think they'll do anything, which at this point sounds true, but they have no faith in the higher education financial system. </p>

<p>So I just don't know what to do. Plus take in the fact that my parents expect me to be at the top of the class if I go to Scripps, not in the middle. They don't want me to be "regular", and they don't know what their definition of it is, but that's what they don't want me to be. If I'm going to be "regular" they just want me to go to UW. How the heck am I supposed to guarantee something like that?</p>

<p>I just can't picture myself at the UW. I haven't researched any of the UW. I barely know what college I exactly got into. The College of Arts & Sciences? They have 120+ majors, and I'm undecided so I just don't understand how I would even navigate going to school there. I haven't looked or signed up for dorms, I haven't looked at the major requirements, the graduation requirements, the FIG groups, I just haven't done anything related to UW because I have no interest in it therefore don't want to put any effort into it. I didn't get into the Honors program, so that's a negative as well. I don't try to call the FA office because it's a state school and I know this is the best offer they can give me of a loan and a parent loan.</p>

<p>So I don't know what to do. Advice?</p>

2

<p>I don't really have any advice since I'm having a similar problem. </p>

<p>I sympathize though. My mom talked to the same director guy this morning, and he was pretty awful to her as well. You'd think they'd get someone a little nicer to tell people bad news about their financial aid.</p>

3

<p>Don't panic. Stop second guessing yourself. Tell Scripps you're coming. Tell your parents you'll do your best there. Get excited about the upcoming changes in your life.</p>

4

<p>I agree with dntw8up. Go to Scripps, your happiness is worth it. I'm transferring to Scripps from the school I'm at now, because even though it's practically free I'm not happy there. Scripps is an extra 25,000 dollars a year more and my parents are having a really tough financial spot, but I know that going to Scripps will be worth it not only for my disposition, but in the opportunities it will give me.</p>

<p>Also, they're paying approximately the same amount for your brother. You shouldn't get short handed just because your brother's older, you deserve to have the same choice.</p>

<p>I know that this is a really hard time for you, but I hope that whatever decision you make will make you happy.</p>

<p>Hope to see you next fall,
Melody</p>

5

<p>I agree. Bite the bullet and sign for Scripps! If you work hard, the cost may well work itself out in opportunity. Have you checked out the career planning & resources part of the website? They've got all kinds of info on internships, on-campus jobs, part-time jobs. </p>

<p>It sounds like you're just choosing between 2 schools, which will do the exact same thing to your parents financial position. You need to go to college, so pick the one you love, and it sounds like you love Scripps!</p>

6

<p>Big hug gracieloos. It's hard enough to decide without the financial stress. However if the cost is the same (did I read that correctly?) and you prefer Scripps, and your parents are ok, go for it.</p>

<p>Of course you'll feel guilty about spending the money. Of course there are unknowns (darn I hate unknowns). And it's a shame that you are having a hassle with the financial aid office.</p>

<p>But if it's basically doable, and works for your family, go for it. Then work as effectively as you can with the financial aid department to get as much assistance as you can. Try to take the emotion out of it - be tactical with them.</p>

<p>If you haven't already applied for scholarships of other sorts, go chase some of those, they can help. Get a summer job and save like mad to help out. </p>

<p>Good luck. </p>

<p>If I've read it wrong, and Washington is a better situation for your family, quick, quick, get over on their web site and identify a major/program that interests you. You need to make sure that you're positively choosing something, rather than just "giving in" and going there.</p>

7

<p>^^^^ great advice. ((((((((gracieloos)))))) I have read your posts over the last several months and I feel like you will regret your decision if you decide on UW. You are worried about changes in your families financial situation which is thoughtful but you don't know what will change. If something prohibits your attending Scripps in the future you can deal with it then but for now give yourself the green light to press the "accept" button. Declare yourself an Athena and put on the sweatshirt. You are going to look wonderful in seafoam green ;)</p>

8

<p>I'm not sure I understand; UW and Scripps would be the same amount of money, and you love Scripps... what's the problem??! These are the next 4 years of your life! Don't be upset, sign the paper and send it in!</p>

9

<p>Go to Scripps, if you are undecided on a major that is OK at Scripps and you can figure that out later. My daughter is in her first year there and loves it.</p>

<p>Something else I just thought of, I don't know if this is the case with UW but if you are undecided it might take you more than 4 years to complete your degree. At Scripps they try to get everyone out in 4 years.</p>

10

<p>^ All good advice given above.</p>

<p>Gracieloos, from what I've read, your parents have been pretty straightforward with you re: finances; that is, they've made clear what they will and won't pay for. Based only on what you've said in previous threads, it's sounded like if your parents didn't think they could make Scripps work, or weren't willing to try, they wouldn't put it out there as an option. It doesn't seem that you have any reason to start second-guessing them at the 11th hour. </p>

<p>This is your decision, and you should do what makes you feel most comfortable. At the moment, though, you sound pretty overwhelmed by emotion (which is certainly fair). Try to relax yourself before you sign any checks...you'll never think clearly through tears, and you deserve to feel good about mailing that deposit! Watch some happy TV, take a bath, set yourself up with a plate of comfort food, and then revisit the questions. Logically, if the costs are going to be comparable, where is your dilemma? And when you next communicate with Scripps' FA office, what is it, specifically, that you'll be looking for (might necessitate a talk with your parents)? Realistically, what would make you feel better about making this decision?</p>

<p>You're not leaving yourself any emotional "outs" right now! You love Scripps, but won't let yourself send the deposit. You seem to feel that UW would be more acceptable, but you're convincing yourself that it's all wrong for you. Financially, your options are comparable, so you've suggested "Maybe I shouldn't go anywhere" as an alternative, and that's hardly ideal. Try to clear your head, and consider talking this through with your parents. I'm so sorry to hear about the stress, the negative FA office interactions, and all the other blech, but looking in from the outside, it's clear that you have two great options + a very supportive family...I'm sure that things will come together. I have great love for Scripps, great respect for UW, and no doubt that you'll do wonderful things with either opportunity :)</p>

11

<p>a) Aw thanks for all your support people! Another reason why I love Scripps; anyone who is even slightly interested in it are the most nicest people.</p>

<p>b) Ahah yes I was a bit on edge when I posted this, so sorries. It was a crazy day yesterday and I got a bit worked up when I was typing the thread. But thank you again! I seriously am not this emotional 24/7 for any of you future Scrippsies! :D</p>

<p>c) Today I sent in the deposit to Scripps, and for now I'm happy. It's really where I do want to go, and I do agree that I would regret not going if I chose UW. UW, I have a lot of respect for as a school, but I simply feel like I just can't do well there and I can't be challenged there in the way that Scripps can. My parents I think understand this, and I think they don't want me to go because of the hurting economy, the possibility of FA spiking once my brother finishes college, and the fact that I'm attending private school when I am completely undecided on a lifecourse (they feel it's not worth it). But I have talked with them about it before, and I think they know and are at least semi-convinced by now to let me go, and that I do have ambition even if I am undecided.</p>

<p>d) I'm going to wait until the FA office calls, and if they do I'm going to have them talk to my parents because I just literally can't give the details as best as my parents would, and I have told my parents that I would not be as effective in talking to the FA Director. They still want me to figure it out, and aren't really fully convinced they can talk it over, but I just laid it down to them and told them I simply will not be effective. Hopefully the Director will be a bit nicer but oh well. And yes the financial situation for both UW and Scripps essentially does the same thing, but my parents kept giving me reasons why Scripps is the worser of the financial situation and it kept on making me doubtful of everything.</p>

<p>e) Thanks so much again to this neighborhood of CC. You are all wonderful! :D</p>

12

<p>I was really hoping you'd choose that one ;)</p>

<p>I'm so excited for you, and I hope that some of the worries start to settle now that a decision has been made. Good luck, and keep us posted!</p>

13

<p>Hugs for my fellow Scrippsie. I'm sorry that this had to be so stressful, but if you're not happy at a school then the money won't be worth it. That's what my parents told me, so now I'm feeling less guilty about the burden I'm putting on them by choosing Scripps. Congratulations on making a decision, and I'll be seeing you in the fall!!</p>

14

<p>Congratulations! I'm glad you were able to make a decision that you seem to be happy with. I can't wait to see you in the fall!</p>

15

<p>Congratulations gracieloos - It's a tough time for you seniors - we parents (and other adults) ask you to be logical, and we also ask you to trust your gut. You have choices in front of you that are going to change the direction of your life, and you are trying to figure out how to do all of that, and make things work well for all the people around you. So no wonder it is a bit stressful.</p>

<p>Don't worry about the uncertainty of major. Take a few weeks off from thinking about this, and then come back and look at course offerings. Core is going to expose you to a lot of different disciplines and professors - that's part of the point of it. Identify a few courses that will help towards general requirements - that's also going to help you get exposed to some more things. With any luck at all, some of these will be particularly interesting, and you'll start finding a specific area that interests you. That's what the liberal arts college process is all about.</p>

16

<p>YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY :) Remember many of those kids who feel like their major and/or career is all planned out when they enter college change their minds at least once or twice anyway making you no further behind them in the end :)</p>

17

<p>Last year I spent over an hour long distance with the Scripps FA office - nice, patient man. Very helpful. No longer works there. Have to add that my d is extremely happy at Scripps at the end of her first year. Just got into a class that was filled that she really wanted - emailed her interest and the prof said yes! She is ecstatic. So far, money well spent. Best wishes!</p>