I'm a mess. College plans, FAFSA, parental pressure and so on.

[jdb226]

<p>I apologize in advance, this post is a mess and goes all over the place and I couldn't even find all of my thoughts into one post.</p>

<p>Where to start…</p>

<p>So, I’m not your typical CCer with a 2350, 12 APs, but I have worked hard and have excelled in high school. I put a lot of research into my schools and applied to a lot of them, from safeties to high reaches and some in between. </p>

<p>I lined myself up for some merit money at schools, in case I did not get into my reaches or could not afford them. Glad I did…</p>

<p>I only applied to one in-state public, because quite frankly, I live in a rust belt state and I am definitely looking to leave for college. I really liked the in-state school. Other than the location it was seemed like a really good fit for me. </p>

<p>But, like I said, I was looking forward to leaving the state and when I had my dad run the financial aid calculators online, we got pretty good results, most results were in range of what he said my parents could pay. Worst one said our EFC would be $2k higher than the number he gave me, but that wouldn’t have been a big deal, I could have made it work. </p>

<p>So, I thought if I got into one of my expensive reach schools that I was really started to like, it was probably going to be relatively affordable for us. I knew I’d probably have to graduate with some loans, but it hopefully wouldn’t be exorbitant. </p>

<p>Then my dad filled out the FAFSA a few days ago…
The number it spit out was literally over 2X the number my dad said he would pay. It was the pension that pushed it over. When he was filling out the FA calculators, I knew he was getting a pension, and thought his income might have been a little higher. But it is a government pension and he is still working for the government, so I just figured the full affects might not kick in until he retires for good or stops working for the government.</p>

<p>I know FAFSA is different from the Profile and each school is different, but I know the EFC’s are going to be in the same ball park at each school. </p>

<p>So this puts our AGI on a whole new level…and I’m basically screwed for those fancy schools.
Only 100% need school I applied to that has a big enough endowment to give me enough aid is Penn. And my chances of getting into Penn are…not very good haha.</p>

<p>Here are my stats:
3.8/4.22 GPA
2110 SAT, 790 USH SAT2
Eagle Scout (and Senior Patrol Leader), Student Govt, a lot of volunteering, MDA Camp Counselor, grant writing for a local non-profit, staff writer for school paper, Eucharistic Minister, worked at least one or two jobs throughout high school, JV intermural sports, and a few other ones. </p>

<p>So, I am proud of my accomplishments, but I’m not exactly a slam dunk candidate. </p>

<p>But not completely screwed. </p>

<p>I applied for Navy ROTC a few months ago, a little late in the ROTC process, but my recruiter says I still have a pretty good chance of getting the scholarship. I applied for it because I am genuinely interested in serving in the military (I grew up in a military family) and thought about joining the Navy or Coast Guard after college. </p>

<p>Now, I waited so long because I originally wanted to do ROTC, but later backed off because I thought it might interfere too much with the typical college life and OCS is only a few months, so I didn’t think it would be that bad. Plus I didn’t want to be committed to one branch, who knows a lot can change in four years. </p>

<p>But, I decided to apply for the scholarship because, it’s non-binding and I was changing my mind so much about college plans, I figured another option wouldn’t hurt. </p>

<p>But, I am assuming that I am not going to get the scholarship because I applied so late and I am a tier 3 major applicant (Business. Navy wants science and engineering majors, but still has some room for other majors. Not a ton of spots though). </p>

<p>So, we will have to wait and see. </p>

<p>So my college list just shrunk from 12+ to about 4 schools, for now. Only two are affordable right now. Ohio State is my instate option and Alabama gave me a scholarship that would make it slightly cheaper than OSU (OSU gave me a small scholarship). Still waiting on South Carolina, they release scholarship decisions in March. Tulane gave me a nice merit scholarship, but COA is still going to be about $13K more than what my dad says we could pay. But apparently they are not done giving out money either, so hopefully I can get some more from them. </p>

<p>I think it will come down to OSU vs. South Carolina. I got into both Honors Colleges (apparently S. Carolina’s is a lot harder to get into and is smaller, so that was cool) and was admitted into South Carolina’s International Business program (honors pre-admit).
And honestly, I am leaning more towards South Carolina at this point. Parents are not cool with that though. </p>

<p>At the start of my college search process, my parents said I could go wherever I wanted to go and it would be completely my decision. Later, earlier this year, they gave me a price range, and I thought it was fair, I was grateful that they were helping me at all for college.
So my college list stretches from Boston to LA and almost everywhere in between. I did my homework on which schools have good financial aid and which ones are generous with merit money. </p>

<p>But, now my parents are really putting the pressure on for Ohio State. They want me to stay close to home and they know it will be affordable. They even afforded to buy me a car if I go to OSU.
I like OSU, I just don’t want to live in Ohio after graduation and that is where OSU’s network is strongest. </p>

<p>I am looking to major in Finance and International Business. Ohio State business school has a better reputation overall and is better for Finance, which is my first choice for majors. But I am still very interested in International Business and South Carolina’s International Business program is ranked #1 in the country…over the likes of Wharton, Georgetown, NYU, etc…</p>

<p>This is confusing and I am having trouble finding info about each business school, especially USC Moore. I want to know what the average USC Intl Business major does after graduation, or in other words, what the placement is like. I have heard anecdotes of recent grads landing very nice jobs in Atlanta, Charlotte, the West Coast and even London. The people telling me this seemed very genuine and candid, but they were somehow connected with USC and were probably biased a little. I believe them; I would just like to hear what they are saying from a third party. </p>

<p>My parents do not want me to go into debt for undergrad, and should save money for grad school, which for the most part I agree with. But…I want to major in business and it seems that finance is a major that depends heavily on school/business school prestige. Like for example, going to either OSU or South Carolina will not land me a job on Wall Street, while going to a school like UVa might if you network and play your cards right. </p>

<p>But, this is why I am interested in USC’s top ranked Intl. Bus. program. Sure, it may not land me an Investment banking job in New York(which I’m not even sure if I want a lifestyle like that haha), but it still might land me a nice job. Which is apparently very important for MBA admissions, which is where I’d like to end up. </p>

<p>So, I am confused and this week has been an emotional roller coaster. And this is why you have safeties that you really like haha. I would probably be fine at OSU or South Carolina, I was just hoping to have a few other options. </p>

<p>I am not mad at my parents for only agreeing to pay <strong>X</strong> amount of dollars, I hope I didn’t come off that way. I have a sister that is entering high school and they will have to pay for her college in a couple of years, so I can’t be selfish. </p>

<p>However, I am having a little bit of déjà vu from a few years ago when I picking out a high school, except it was kind of reversed. I went to public grade school and expected to go to the local public high school. My parents began to push me to look at one of the local Catholic high schools, so I did and come March/April of 8th grade year, I was legitimately on the fence between the two schools. The Catholic school had a pretty good reputation, but it was pretty expensive. The local public just went through a big scandal/controversy while I was in 8th grade, but we live in a nice suburb and its academics were solid. </p>

<p>So, I told them I was leaning towards staying in public school. Well, that didn’t go over well. My mom was the one getting mad, telling me don’t worry about the money since I mentioned that was a reason for picking the public high school and she was getting mad at me and convinced me to try going to Catholic school. Of course after that, she told everyone it was “all my decision” and that I love it.
well, far from it and as a senior, I realize that it was a big waste of $40k+ over four years, and IMO public school would have been a better fit. Catholic schools can’t afford to pay their teachers as much as public schools (at least mine) and the quality of education was very hit or miss. I did have some great teachers, but I had/have some downright terrible teachers that turned me off from learning all together. Plus the local public school offers about double the number of APs my Catholic high school does, which would have been oh so nice to take an AP class that I was actually interested in. But, the average 8th grader isn't thinking about APs when picking out a high school, haha. </p>

<p>Now, I have made friends at high school and kept in touch with old grade school kids, so its not like I’m a loser that hates high school and has no friends, but like I mentioned before, $40k+ is a hell of a lot of money to spend on high school, especially when my local district had a good/decent high school that may have been a better fit. But, by the time I made this revelation, it was kind of too late to transfer, might as well finish it off. Wish I noticed or was more assertive freshman year, but that’s life. </p>

<p>I know I shouldn’t be, but I am still bitter about how “I” chose my high school and it is reminding of how the college selection process is starting to pan out.
Last time, my gut told me to go to public school, but my parents disagreed and I heeded to them. My gut is telling me to go to South Carolina, and I plan on listening to myself this time. </p>

<p>My parents are already getting tense about uptight about this, and I just hope it doesn’t get ugly. </p>

<p>Sorry, I know this post was soooooo long and all over the place, and honestly I have no idea of what I am asking you haha. I guess I am just looking for “parently” advice, because all my parents tell me is “just go to OSU” and so on. </p>

<p>Thanks, (especially if you made it this far!)</p>

[thumper1]

<p>Ohio State is a fabulous school (I’m from Ohio). U of South Carolina was our daughter’s second choice back when she applied to schools and she loved it too. Personally I don’t think you could go wrong either way. Both will provide you with a great educational opportunity. Both are fine schools.</p>

<p>Why not wait until you have the scholarship info from U of SC. That could make a difference to your family. Congratulations on getting accepted to their Honors College…that is NOT an easy thing to do. The application is really a humdinger. If you get any one of the larger scholarships for OOS students (Cooper or McKissick), your tuition also will be at the instate rate (or at least that was the case when my daughter applied). Good luck…I hope it all works out.</p>

[baystateresident]

<p>Hey- this is a stressful time for everyone. Just try to relax and see what actually happens when the financial aid offers come in. You might be pleasantly surprised. EFCs can be wildly different at different schools that use the Profile. The pension might not be considered at all at some of them. You won’t know until you see the offers from the schools…</p>

[VeryHappy]

<p>I agree that you just need to sit tight right now. You don’t yet have any decisions to make. Wait for the admissions and the financial aid. Then spread it all out in front of you and decide.</p>

<p>Sounds like your parents did a number on you with the Catholic HS. Let this one be your decision.</p>

[mom2collegekids]

<p>At one time, my son complained about the money we spend on his Catholic education. Teachers are “hit and miss” at public schools as well. (especially in math, sciences, and English). It’s not about the money that teachers are paid. Many teachers at Catholic schools know full well that they could get paid more at a public, but they choose to teach at a Catholic school for many very good reasons. They aren’t teaching there because a public school wouldn’t take them (which is what you’re sort of implying in a subtle way.) </p>

<p>However, now that my son is a senior in college, he thanks us frequently for this Catholic K-12 education. He can write far better than most students, and he has had exceptional stats (in grade school and in college). </p>

<p>BTW…it makes NO SENSE that when your dad first did online EFC calculators that he didn’t include a pension that he’s getting. </p>

<p>At this point, it’s best just to let all the offers come in and see what is best for you. I can understand your desire to go OOS. If it works out financially, then you should go OOS.</p>

<p>Did Alabama give you a full tuition scholarship?</p>

<p>How much did your dad say he would pay each year?</p>

[jdb226]

<p>Thanks for the kind words everyone. </p>

<p>thumper. Yeah, I should probably wait until I have a scholarship from Carolina before making any decisions. Apparently every OOS kid that kids into the Honors College gets one, but you never know.</p>

<p>I know that OSU is a great school and I do like the school, I don’t want to make it sound like I am too good for it. It’s just the wanting try something new thing. I love OSU’s size, atmosphere, academics, school spirit, etc… It would be perfect if it were located in New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, etc…</p>

<p>baystate. Thanks for the kind reassuring words. Hope you are right about the pension thing, maybe it won’t be treated as pure income, but it was counted towards the AGI for FAFSA so I’m not holding my breath for the Profile. So I’m hoping for the best but expecting the worst. All I can really do now until April. </p>

<p>Veryhappy. Yes, I definitely would like to make college my decision, and I think my parents will let me go wherever as long it works financially. It may be like pulling teeth, but I don’t think they would really force me to go somewhere when I have other realistic options. </p>

<p>mom2k. Yes, perhaps I was little harsh about my school, but those subjects you list are also very hit or miss at my high school. Math department is top heavy, top guy is great teacher and person, second guy is pretty good, but there is a clear drop off. The rest…well, you better understand the book examples. Science department is downright atrocious at my school, but I don’t really care, science is my weakest subject and I don’t like it and have no interest in taking a science class in college (and if I go to a school that has a gen ed requirement for science, I’ll take rock studies or something with the jocks haha). However, I’m taking AP Physics (to look good for college, great reason, I know) because I needed the extra AP, and my high school only offers one social science AP class for senors. English department is actually pretty good, but all of the teachers leave for the Jesuit school across town that pays more. I had a bad English teacher last year, but he basically mailed it in in January and was on cruise control until he retired. </p>

<p>I get what your saying how a lot of public schools are the same way. But one thing I cannot stand at my H.S. right now is the attitude toward public school kids. People here automatically assume public school kids are inferior and look down on them, when in reality, there are a lot of good school districts in my area that would be just as good or probably better than my school academic wise. </p>

<p>Bama gave me the 2/3 OOS tuition scholarship. Barely missed the 1400 cutoff. </p>

<p>Dad said he would pay $20k each year and does not want to see me take on a lot of debt. </p>

<p>I hope that it does not look like I am throwing my parents under the bus. They have been pretty good to me and I am very thankful for them and that they are going to help me out with college. They can be stubborn and old fashioned, but that just comes with the deal I guess. </p>

<p>Thanks again everyone.</p>

[mom2collegekids]

<p>The pension might not be considered at all at some of them.</p>

<p>I really doubt that. The dad is “double dipping” …collecting a pension and working. Schools aren’t likely just going to ignore that other good source of income and provide free aid instead. </p>

<p>To the OP…</p>

<p>yes, teachers are “hit and miss” everywhere. The reason why universities have to offer sub 100 classes in math and English is because those subjects are often poorly taught across this county. Science education is also a problem. The fact is that many people who are strong in math and science know that they can make a lot more money outside of the education profession…so, they have a different career.</p>

<p>Believe me, in the end, you’ll be very grateful for your Jesuit education. Not only that, there is a closeness, a bonding, that happens when going to Catholic schools. If you were to see my Facebook, you’d see that I have many, many friends from my Catholic high school that I still keep in touch with. I went to Catholic grade school with some of them as well. My kids also enjoy the closeness they have with their friends from their K-12 Catholic school experience.</p>

<p>Did you apply to Bama’s Honors Program? Bama has an amazing honors program. With a 2/3 scholarship, the cost for you to go to Bama would be about $15k. It would be about 17k if you chose a “super suite” (private bedroom in a 4 bedroom suite with a living room, 2 bathrooms, and kitchenette.)</p>

[limabeans]

<p>I haven’t read this whole post, but I want to congratulate you. You should be proud of your accomplishments. Just remember, even if your list currently goes from 12+ to 4, you only need one. Sounds like you’re going to make it work too. This is a stressful time.</p>

[beth_s_mom]

<p>I would also suggest that you wait until all your offers are on the table. In the meantime, you might want to prepare something to present to your parents that details why you want the school that you want. List the pros and cons, describe how the pros outweigh the cons, show how the strengths of the school play into your career goals, etc. Basically “sell” your parents on your decision. If my child did that, I would realize that she was serious about her choice and had given it a lot of thought and consideration. It would make me much more likely to go along with a choice I wasn’t sure about.</p>

[Erin_s_Dad]

<p>OP, you are discovering that available budget has a great deal to do with a college choice. Yes, your parents should have looked more closely at the cost of the colleges you were applying to but don’t be angry with them forever. Limiting the cost and loans will help you in the long run. And tOSU is a very good school.</p>

[blueiguana]

<p>I also would like to congratulate the OP on a very well thought out college search, follow through with honors applications, and thinking about these very real financial issues now as they are coming forth. It’s hard, no two ways around it!</p>

<p>The FAFSA can be confusing and your father most likely in good faith filled out the estimate. I don’t believe this is an issue of not caring. The OP mentions growing up in a military family and states that his father works for the government. It is a very real possibility that his father had a military career, retired and is receiving retirement pay (ie pension), and is now currently employed by the government. It is perfectly legal and ethical. If a member of the armed forces has given 20+ years of their life in service to our country they are absolutely entitled to retirement benefits if they follow with a second career or not. This may or may not be the case with the OP, but it happens with military personnel as well as other pensioned positions. The income must be reported, which the OPs father is obviously doing. That’s why the EFC jumped. The OP’s father isn’t trying to deceive a school and I’m sure will report all income and assets as is legally required. Give the dad a break on this.</p>

<p>It sounds like all the way around this family has tried to be proactive in finding quality affordable education. The OPs parents were upfront about how much they could contribute, $20k/year which is not a small sum and makes many schools with merit an option. The OP was very aggressive in creating a comprehensive list of schools that met his needs and offered real financial viability based on what he knew. Yes, the EFC is much different. This is not wholly uncommon and happens to a lot of families. What also happens to a lot of students is parents that encourage their students to ‘shoot for the stars’ and apply to the super reach schools. When their student is accepted they have to tell them the cold hard truth that they don’t qualify for aid and the family isn’t in a position to write a check for $50k, nor are they willing/able to finance. To me, that is much worse. There are also many cases where the FAFSA indicates a certain amount, however each school calculates aid differently. Some packages provide more loans or work-study, while others may offer a higher percentage in grant money. This is why families wait until all fin-aid offers are on the table to compare. Even if the OPs EFC did not change he may have found himself having similar conversations with his family in April based on which school he wanted vs. which fin-aid package was better. This is a difficult, messy, inexact side to college admissions that adds a great deal of stress to families beyond that letter of acceptance.</p>

<p>The OP is rightfully frustrated and trying to regroup and get information. I agree that he should see what the final award money offered at each school is, then talk open and honestly with his parents about the school he wants to attend. My student may choose a school this year that wouldn’t be my first choice for him. If this is the case, as long as he has compared both programs extensively and can tell us why he made the decision then we are fully prepared to respect and support his choice.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you. You sound like a very mature young person. I have no doubt you will make a decision that is right for you, come to an agreement with your family, and be very successful!</p>

[jdb226]

<p>Thanks again everyone.</p>

<p>mom2k:</p>

<p>Not that it really matters (but it sounds like you’re Catholic, so you’d probably understand), but my school is a different order and the school across town is the Jesuit one. Big rivalry, small part due to the “Jesuitness” and “snobbery”. They apparently can pay their teachers more than we do, and we have lost at least 5 teachers to them since I’ve been here (some good and some bad, so we sorta break even I suppose haha).</p>

<p>I’m not as fully entrenched in the rivalry, I guess since I went to public grade school and most kids went to public high school, I didn’t really care about either high school until I enrolled. This is opposed to a kid going to St. ____ for K-8 and half his friends are going to the cross town school and vice versa. </p>

<p>I know it’s a moot point this far into high school (second semester senior…), but teachers really are hit or miss everywhere, like you said. And talking with friends from public school I’ve kept in touch with have had similar experiences with teachers. Some great ones, some pretty bad, probably like nearly every kid and high school across the country. </p>

<p>But I’m paying $10k+ for that experience. Oh, well I guess I’m getting a religion class out of it…yipee!</p>

<p>Now, I know I’m dwelling and I shouldn’t because there isn’t really anything I can do now except move on. Admittedly, this is definitely one of my weaknesses, dwelling on the past. </p>

<p>Everyone talks about the networking and bonds you make after Catholic, which sounds good to me I guess. </p>

<p>limabeans: And making it work is really my only option haha!</p>

<p>Not going to lie, I was genuinely depressed when I saw the number FAFSA spat out. I was hoping for a number in the late teens, but expecting a number somewhere in the 20s…and then it spat out $40k+. </p>

<p>I felt dejected. I put a lot of time into my college search, did the homework, researched the FA process, filled out the calculators, etc…just to sort of fall flat out my face. </p>

<p>At first, I was mad at my dad. Not for paying $20k, I am grateful that they are helping me out. I am also very lucky that my parents are not prestige obsessed and making me go to the highest ranked school I get into for undergrad. </p>

<p>I was mad about the income level and the calculators did not reflect his true income. When asked to approximate parent income for various forms, my dad gave me a number that did not include the pension. </p>

<p>I was mad because if I knew this beforehand, like last summer, I could have added a few more merit money schools on my list. </p>

<p>But then I realized that this was kind of silly to do because I had already put quite a few merit money schools on my list.
The only other school I thought about applying to but didn’t, and wished I maybe did was UMiami. </p>

<p>But I crossed it off because they do not meet full need and was not sure if I would like the vibe/atmosphere of the school. </p>

<p>bethsmom: </p>

<p>That is probably what I should do, and will end up knowing more in a month and even more in two months. And who knows, maybe the Navy will come through with the NROTC scholarship, but I am not holding my breath as a tier 3 applicant and applying relatively late for ROTC (November). </p>

<p>Erin’s Dad: </p>

<p>I’m not trying to be mad at my parents, they’ve been great to me, but this process has been pretty frustrating. And I was not expecting to be frustrated because while I did not join until last month, I have been lurking CC for a long, long time and thought I was giving myself a lot of options. I still do have some pretty good choices, and like you said, OSU is a very good school. </p>

<p>blueiguana:</p>

<p>Thanks for the post, it was very kind. </p>

<p>You are correct about my father’s career path, and they were upfront about what they would pay. </p>

<p>I am glad that I am finding this out now, instead of when the FA letters come in in mid-April (assuming I get into a couple of my 100% need schools). I won’t be surprised come April and may have already tentatively picked a school. </p>

<p>Thanks again everyone, you have all been very helpful.</p>

[scmom12]

<p>You are not alone in being depressed by the number FAFSA spits out. Just take a deep breathe and wait until all info is in. USC honors (with brand new dorms) is top notch and as you figured out int’l business and Masters in Int’l business will get you anywhere you want to go. USC sents out scholarship info in March although if you call and speak with admissions counselor they can maybe tell you about any “automatic” money you may get (such as instate rates for honors admit - not sure about this since instate. If by chance you are NMF and list USC as top choice the Leiber is $10,000 a year. If it comes down to subjective matters, columbia is a lot warmer most of the year! I hope you have visited, if not please try to.</p>

[jdb226]

<p>Thanks scmom. Not a NMF, but I got my scholarship info today and I am pretty happy with the scholarship I got. </p>

<p>My stats kind of fell right in the middle between the $17500($2k) and $19500($4k) scholarship and I got the $2k(+OOS tuition waiver). Was hoping for the $4k one obviously, but I am happy to have the in-state waiver + extra. </p>

<p>Might try to appeal for more money, my stats literally fell in the middle of those two scholarships. Nothing really to lose, worse thing that could happen is that they say no and I have to pay an extra 2k a year. Don’t want to sound too whiny or entitled to the bigger scholarship, just want more money if they are willing to give it!</p>

<p>Been about a month since I posted here (wow exactly a month haha) and things have gotten better.
My parents would still like me to go to OSU and I have not completely crossed it off my list, but they are open to the idea of me going out of state…as long as its affordable. </p>

<p>I’m going to an OSU reception in my city, along with a business meeting beforehand, so I’m still giving Ohio State a fair shot. </p>

<p>The big fancy, $55,000 schools are not completely out of the running though. No news from NROTC, but I am checking my status online every night. </p>

<p>Not even sure if I would do NROTC if I get the scholarship, but I would like the option. Not thrilled about getting up early a couple days a week/going to bed super early (for college students anyway), but if the Navy is going to pay my $40k tuition bill, it’s not bad at all. Plus, I had always interested been interested in USNA, but did not like how structured it was. So NROTC would be a decent compromise and I think I could still have a very good college life. </p>

<p>But que sera, sera. </p>

<p>If NROTC does not work out, it doesn’t work out. I’ll just have to move on (and I am ready to now if I get the “we’re sorry…” email/status change). It would hurt a little, but I’m getting excited for South Carolina, so that helps. </p>

<p>Anyways, thanks for listening to me and offering such nice words. I just kind of needed a place to vent and let it all out. It was very helpful and I think I have moved on.</p>

<p>Thanks again everyone, you were extremely helpful!</p>

[vamom1]

<p>We have three VERY good friends of our daughters who are at USC…all three went to a VERY elite high school (not in SC) and were offered good scholarship money. They all LOVE IT THERE! Just thought I’d throw this info out there! I’m just a mom but I’ve known these kids since they were little and all are very qualified and had many choices. Good luck, dear!</p>

[ucbalumnus]

<p>Ohio State has a [graduate</a> career outcomes survey](<a href=“http://oaa.osu.edu/irp/surveys/gradoutcome_survey.php]graduate”>http://oaa.osu.edu/irp/surveys/gradoutcome_survey.php), although it does not give results by major like some other schools’ career surveys do.</p>

<p>University of South Carolina has a [brief</a> summary career survey results](<a href=“Career Center - Career Center | University of South Carolina”>Career Center - Career Center | University of South Carolina) with some majors listed.</p>

<p>Neither appears to have as detailed career survey information as [University</a> of California, Berkeley](<a href=“https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/Major.stm]University”>https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/Major.stm) or [California</a> Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo](<a href=“http://www.careerservices.calpoly.edu/gradsurvey/]California”>http://www.careerservices.calpoly.edu/gradsurvey/).</p>

<p>Of course, if you do go into Navy ROTC, your post-graduation job title will likely be Ensign in the United States Navy or Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.</p>

[jingle]

<p>OP, don’t assume that your life at OSU would just be an extension of your current life in high school. It is a very large, very dynamic place, with a ton of stuff going on, and going there doesn’t sentence you to a life in Ohio if that’s what you don’t want.</p>

<p>I live in a college flagship town, and many kids who grow up here yearn to go elsewhere even though the flagship is a great deal for instate students, and even though out-of-state students compete tooth and nail to come here. Some of these “townies” take on unwise levels of debt in order to go to lower-ranked schools a few states away. Those who do matriculate at the flagship, however, are generally pleasantly surprised to find out that it is a nearly complete break from their previous lives, socially and intellectually. You needn’t to go all that far from home to “get away.”</p>

[flalaw97]

<p>I think if you haven’t done so, you should visit. There are almost twice as many students at OSU than at South Carolina and the campus feel is not likely to be the same. Both are good choices but you should go to the one that feels better because you will do better. There are definite advantages to living close but if you are always going to be bitter… If you haven’t already talked to your parents about wanting it to be your choice (acknowledging their interest in not paying more $) they mught be more understanding. Good luck!</p>

[SmithieandProud]

<p>I would just try to take a deep breath. When you have all of your acceptances, and all of your offers, and you know the results of your ROTC scholarship, you can make an informed decision. Worrying about it now is not going to make you get any more financial aid money, it’s not going to help you land a scholarship, it’s just going to stress you out over something that is out of your control. Deep breath. You should know in a few weeks one way or the other.</p>

[jdb226]

<p>Thanks everyone. </p>

<p>Thank you vamom, that is good to hear. Thank you ucb, those links were really helpful.
jingle, thank you, I am starting to see that you are right. Thanks smithie…all I can do now, less than a month haha.
Yes, flalaw, I am planning a visit and they will be very important in the decision. Parents have warmed up to South Carolina, but they obviously still want me to pick OSU. I mentioned OSU was coming to Cleveland for a reception and the business school was going to be there beforehand, they were all over that once I mentioned I was interested. They also don’t seem to mind too much taking me down to Sc either. </p>

<p>Thread title is misleading, I am pretty happy with my choices now. I’m even starting to warm up to OSU again (I’m soooooo volatile right now). </p>

<p>I like OSU, I really do, the only thing holding me back is location. It sounds stupid, but I’m not from Ohio and kind of always pictured myself going out of state for college.
But now I realize that I probably wouldn’t mind living in Columbus for a few years after undergrad before grad school. </p>

<p>I am still intrigued by South Carolina’s Intl. business program, but I am not 100% sure that is what I want to do. I am interested in other cultures and languages, so it should be a good fit. But I am also interested in finance and accounting and OSU is much better than USC in those fields (apparently). Plus triple majoring would be crazy and complicated, and I’m not even sure if I can do it (I should have a good amount of AP credit) But USC has pretty good ties to Charlotte, and decent ties to Atlanta. USC also sends kids to Bank of America and has decent ties to the Big 4. But, overall, OSU has a stronger business school. </p>

<p>These are interesting to compare (under the alumni affairs & careers tab)</p>

<p>[The</a> Ohio State University: Undergraduate Profile - BusinessWeek](<a href=“Bloomberg - Are you a robot?”>Bloomberg - Are you a robot?)
[University</a> Of South Carolina: Undergraduate Profile - BusinessWeek](<a href=“Bloomberg - Are you a robot?”>Bloomberg - Are you a robot?)</p>

<p>And still waiting on NROTC. If I get the scholarship and decide to do NROTC in college, well I guess I don’t have to worry about finding a job for at least a few years. Being a Navy Officer would be very fun and intriguing and I might try going to OCS if I don’t get the scholarship/don’t do NROTC. But that is a ways away. </p>

<p>Thank you everyone. Should have this all sorted out soon, plan on visiting USC early next month. I won’t commit to a school without looking at it and visiting will hopefully make my decision easier. </p>

<p>Thanks again everyone!</p>