<p>I have gotten accepted at a bunch of schools; a few really good conservatories, two state schools and Northwestern.</p>
<p>I don't want to go to CIM or Juilliard, and I don't like Indiana. I really like a teacher at university of texas (Brian Lewis) who I met at a master class, and have had a couple lessons with. I love University of Texas and the city it is in. I also really love Northwestern, because I got into the Vamos studio. </p>
<p>The problem is that I have no way of paying for Northwestern.. the tution is astronomical and I got no financial aid because my parents make a certain amount a year. They will not pay, there is no way. I'm from Canada too, so I can't apply for FAFSA... I've been checking out student loan options in Canada and it looks really bad.</p>
<p>I'm just really sad about potentially having to turn down such a great teacher at a school I really like. UT Austin is great but Northwestern and studying with the Vamos studio is a more unique opportunity. Do any of you know how I can appeal to the school for money? I will probably get a lot of help from UT, but again, it's my 2nd choice by a longer shot.</p>
<p>Oh my gosh! Congrats on Northwestern. When did you hear? You are the first person we know who has been accepted. My Daughter is on pins and needles and she checks the mailbox daily but nothing yet. We heard that the letters will be going out around March 31. </p>
<p>I heard last week, another friend of mine heard the week before on Friday. She should hear soon. You haven't gotten the e-mail yet? I first got the e-mail, then the letter a few days later.</p>
<p>It's not easy to get money from a private school like Northwestern if you don't qualify for financial aid. Perhaps your only bet would be loans, applying for grants, work-study--but I think that might be only for kids with financial aid packages. When I was young and had the opportunity to go to Columbia for graduate school I just racked up the loan debt--not sure I would do that again if I could go back. Once you're in, however, you might be able to get money in subsequent years. You should contact a Financial Aid Officer and ask the questions!</p>
<p>So sorry for your dilemma. My D1 went to Northwestern (cello). She had a friend, who after college, went to live in Chicago and studied privately with Hans. Just a thought. Clearly not a current solution for you. Congratulations on your great acceptances. Good luck!</p>
<p>You are not the first to have to make choices based on finances, and I see how you're distressed.</p>
<p>Northwestern has never been historically generous with merit aid. There is a large gap for many would be Northwestern students. You may ask, but honestly, do not expect much, if any reconsideration.</p>
<p>If you chose Northwestern for the academics, it will be a far cry from academics that you will find at UT. The Vamos studio is indeed an accomplishment, but Brian Lewis is an excellent instructor and a supportive mentor, so in that respect I would feel you would be in very capable hands, and you cite previous experience with Lewis.</p>
<p>You mention CIM and Juilliard. I have to ask why you do not want a conservatory? Is it the intensity/pure music aspect or the lack of high level academics and disciplines?</p>
<p>Are you planning a performance or other music related degree, or an academic non-music path? </p>
<p>Are you a Canadian living in the States, or a Canadian native set on a US school? Did you even consider U Toronto or McGill?</p>
<p>The basic wisdom is not to get in over your head with debt. It's difficult to suggest options without knowing a bit more about your intended path of study.</p>
<p>I want to go to football games and make friends with people in journalism, business, film etc... it's all things I'm interested in but am not planning a career in. I am planning to perform as a career, but I like the academic environment, and the violin level in the Vamos studio is as good as any studio, with maybe 1 or 2 exceptions. I think Northwestern edges out UT musically and academically, although the typical US College experience will be better at UT. That isn't enough for me to want to take it over Northwestern. </p>
<p>I did my undergrad at McGill, but only applied to US grad schools.</p>
<p>If what you want is the true university feel of football, academics, friends etc. I cant think of a better place to be than the capital city of Texas - Austin. UT has it ALL; sports of every kind - football, basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis - you name it. There is more activity in Austin than you can and will ever know. Not to mention the famed 6th street for weekend gatherings of all the students in town. Performance opportunities abound aplent and again you have the great Brian Lewis and did you say they were giving you money. From a logical standpoint just making a decision based on the information your provided with the problem at hand, it would seem that UT would be the answer unless you want to take loans out and be at Northwestern. Ask yourself "is it worth it"? If it is, then go for it and fulfill your heart's desire at Northwestern. Otherwise, head south on I35 and exit on 6th Street. Its waiting for you.</p>
<p>Ok. Grad is a different ballgame altogether; I had assumed undergrad. In that case, the Vamos studio may well be the driving force.</p>
<p>Grad funding is completely different than undergrad aid. Unless you are offered a teaching or grad assistanceship, occaisionally a stipend, the levels of grad aid range from very generous to non-existent. </p>
<p>I honestly don't know what to tell you other than loan funding, and the caveats of taking on too much debt. </p>
<p>Most performance majors choose their choices on instructor/studio, but temper choices based on availability and levels of TA/GA funds, and their experience and level against auditioning peers. I don't have to tell you how competitive the violin pool at the grad level is.</p>
<p>Many will work a few years and fund grad school that way, while studying privately, gigging and teaching.</p>
<p>Did you look at available funding sources prior to applications? Depending on school and instructor, a serious inquiry may result in some limited funding.</p>
<p>I haven't even started the scholarship negotiation process for my D yet so I have little expertise here. However, I would start by calling the teachers personally and sharing your entire financial dilemma. They may be able to come up with some ideas and "shake the tree" a bit. If NW and their studio is your first choice I would certainly let them know that and ask them for any ideas, contacts, etc. Definitely mention that the financial barrier would be the only thing that keeps you from attending their program. They may have graduate assistantships w/tuition waivers or reductions or other sources of funding that aren't that apparent. Good luck.</p>
<p>I would suggest that you contact the Vamos's and see what they have to say about the issue. Last year when my son was looking at grad schools his teacher was able to help him negotiate better aid from the school he was most interested in. It is possible that they will have better suggestions for you than anyone here, especially if they feel strongly about having you in their studio.</p>
<p>I am starting to really worry about this, it's the next two years of my life and will probably have a huge amount of influence upon my career.</p>
<p>UT you have to answer by the 9th of April, and Northwestern by the 15th. Appeals for aid will only be read after the 15th when people start turning down offers and money becomes available. </p>
<p>I don't want to burn my bridges with Texas because I really do love that place, and I might have to go there if I can't get money for Northwestern. The problem is, how long can I put off accepting/decling at Texas while waiting for a yes or no at Northwestern?</p>
<p>Gil, I suspect one phone call tomorrow, to whichever Vamos you would be studying with, will give you a clearer picture of any potential $$$ aid. You might consider the following:
1. Tell her/him, that N' Western is your first choice.
2. Tell them you cannot go to N'Western without a scholarship of X, and be prepared to name that $$ amount.
3. Then pause and listen carefully to the response.
4. Depending on what you hear, be prepared to go further and tell them where you have been accepted, what your backup school is, and the short time window you have to respond to the other school.
5. If you need a definitive answer by, say April 5th, tell them so.
6. I think you will probably know most, if not all, of what you need to know after one phone conversation.
7. Keep us posted.
8. Brian Lewis is tremendous. I suspect his fine reputation will continue to expand, and he may some day be held in esteem similar to the famous Vamos duo. Good luck.</p>