So, here is something that is really enticing for some, surprising for others, concerning for still many, and imperative for me to discuss. So let us get right to it.
So, I recently got accepted into Princeton, Yale, Duke, King’s College London and Hofstra University.
Now, again starting with these famous words:‘Some students would sell their families to get into these; well except the last one, I guess, wait! Is that a W.R # 135, tool shed quality and size college I mentioned. How can you even think twice?
Well, yes, not only should I have before applying, about the costs, courses, and literally every dirt(not literally) on the schools I was applying into. Firstly, I completed my high school in India, so not only is the culture of guidance counselors not well conditioned or sometimes at all common, but also I have always relied on myself, my strengths, my research and my parents’ support and everything throughout high school and to the way to a college acceptance.
So, now I am faced with a situation that from my experience and knowledge, only some Ivy League aspirants, then accepted students have to face; some obtain scholarships, full or a lot of aid or can afford all, or the remaining costs after little or no aid/grant/scholarship. I have only received about 20% in financial aid from the two Ivys, and Duke, which compared to the actual annual costs I have to bear, is not much. Then, I applied to Hofstra, not as influential, wealthy, or well-known or recognized for that matter. When, many students apply to smart or ‘good’ back-up options, I did not really know how complicated; first, the process, second, acceptance, third, deciding and considering all facets to make a decision. So, I applied to Hofstra like in April, they also have a rolling decision cycle. So, I did and have got into their selective Honors program, have study abroad options, and a presidential scholarship of about 50% of the costs. So, here is what I thought, and think, getting as much as aid as possible, but, it is the highest an international student can get, because, at Hofstra, I had more than desired SAT scores, subject tests perfect, A.Ps and everything, but only not a weighted GPA, because most schools in India, even mine, considered an excellent one, do not give weighted GPAs. So, I was potentially left out of a full scholarship from Hofstra. I was mad at first, felt hopeless, thinking as to why I did not the amount , or even close to, what I, or someone with my qualifications would expect. Then, I read, about Ronald Nelsons story, some articles , and discussions on this forum, and decided I could still go for Hofstra. Even though they have not offered me a binding financial decision yet, and I have appealed to them.
Even if I have to pay, some amount here, still it will save about 40-50 lakh Indian Rupees in my four years of undergraduate, plus, I am in the process of writing my book, commercializing my blog and hoping to take up some lucrative small and/or part times in America, which is if they don’t increase the amount, but, I am hoping they will. But, my parents think, if we have to pay anyways, why not for Ivy Leagues, and after talking to a relative, who is brainstorming them, and hoping for me to come to Princeton city; she has many reasons why she does want to do that; not all encouraging, they are thinking the same. They believe that brand name is quintessential; agreed, you can get into something similar by working hard in Princeton also, agreed, but it is not easy and direct as it sounds, still I am all for working my butt off, and do not worry about the finances, it is a lot, but we will arrange and do not think abut Graduate schools right now, we will see that later; sure, why not?
But, weeks of soul searching and research, and being highly inspired by Ronald Nelson’s story, I feel that I can make most of education even at Hofstra, still be able to work towards excellent graduate schools, and also save a whole lot of money. And being far-sighted is must, because this is not India we are talking about, the presidential elections are this year, and I do not want anyone: my parents or myself, do come under any financial strain. My brother is graduating from New York Film Academy in 2017, my parents will then have only one child to support,my financial aid could possibly package could shrink, and then we are back to square one. And this is a possibility, not a mere hypothesis. And, I have always valued education over money, but in the modern world, and in the current education and financial scenarios, I believe, that I must be smart and keep all major factors towards my future beneficial research, education and finances in hindsight.
The only thing now, is to get insights and advice from other people, who are experienced or have been in my shoes; enough to convince my parents of my supposed decision, thank you very much. I need to send my decision in a day’s time.