Money problems $$

<p>I would be studying with both of them. I don't know what to do, she gave me her phone number but they teach until quite late. When I went to their house I was there until almost midnight (got there at 8:30). I wrote her an e-mail about it two days ago so I don't want to be like I'm harassing her. She has other people contacting her as well so it's not like I'm the only person. I'm just afraid of being pushy, although she was extremely nice and even called my teacher to discuss studying with her.</p>

<p>At this point I almost have more anxiety about the process than hearing about the letters, because at least before, the teachers told me after my audition they would take me. Now I don't even know if I can afford it, and making a decision on money alone feels wrong.</p>

<p>Don't worry about being pushy. At this point, they are obviously interested in having you in the studio. She gave you the phone number so you can feel free to call. Leave a message stating that you would like to speak with either one as soon as possible, that they can call you late at night or early in the morning, which ever is most convenient for them. If you won't be able to get a clear answer from NW by April 9, ask UT for an extension. </p>

<p>By the way, does the NACAC deadline thing apply to grad school as well, Bassdad?</p>

<p>Please correct me if I am wrong, but throughout the document it refers to post-secondary schools which I take to mean both undergrad and grad schools.</p>

<p>I would assume the May 1 date for NACAC member schools holds true for both grad and undergrad as stated.</p>

<p>I would call both grad admissions departments (or your own assigned admitting officer) and remind them of this and ask for written extensions for May 1. </p>

<p>I did not find it specifically, but could there be a special circumstance because the student is an international?</p>

<p>Red Herring and Shennie give good advice. Phone contact with either Vamos will be the quickest way to get an answer about Northwestern aid.</p>

<p>Graduate students have a decision deadline of April 15. Here's info from Eastman's website:</p>

<p>"Though review of all candidates is ongoing, graduate decisions will be finished before undergraduate decisions are finished, since graduate applicants must make their decisions by Tuesday, April 15, and undergraduate applicants must make their decision by Thursday, May 1."</p>

<p>During auditions, April 15 was repeatedly mentioned as a deadline date for graduate students at schools with graduate programs.</p>

<p>Neither Eastman nor the University of Rochester are NACAC members, hence not a good counter example. I believe even NACAC members can request an answer sooner than May 1, but they have agreed among themselves to give an extension without penalty until May 1 upon receiving a written request from the student. At least that is how I read their Statement of Good Practices.</p>

<p>Here's some more info from Eastman:</p>

<p>"The National Association for College Admissions Counseling, in its Statement of Principles of Good Practice, states that: “College and University Members agree that they will permit first-year candidates for fall admission to choose, without penalty, among offers of admission and financial aid until May 1. It is understood that May 1 will be viewed as the postmark date.”</p>

<p>And the National Association of Schools of Music Code of Ethics, states: “The acceptance of financial aid or the signing of a declaration of intent to attend a given institution shall not be binding if signed before May 1 of the calendar year of matriculation, or April 15 in the case of graduate applicants.”</p>

<p>Acceptance letters to undergraduate applicants state a May 1 deadline, or two weeks from the date of the letter if it is issued after May 1. For graduate applicants, the decisions deadline is April 15. Applicants are given a minimum deadline of two weeks following notice of acceptance to respond to the offer of admission. Extensions of deadlines are not granted, since it is our intent to make all first round offers before the posted deadlines, and the timing of an applicant's decision affects candidates on our waitlists." </p>

<p>So it may be a little muddled for grad students. Any grad students or professors out there in the know?</p>

<p>Looking around, I found this: <a href="http://www.cgsnet.org/portals/0/pdf/CGSResolutionMarch2008.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.cgsnet.org/portals/0/pdf/CGSResolutionMarch2008.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>So it seems that, despite what NACAC says, April 15 is the real date for most grad schools. At the very least, Gil can accept the offer from Texas on the 9th and still be able to negotiate in good faith with Northwestern until the 15th. If things are worked out by then, he is allowed to tell Texas he has changed his mind. If not, Texas never has to hear about it.</p>

<p>I tried to add this to the previous post, but timed out.</p>

<p>I realize that this will not help Gil in post-4/15 aid negotiations, but it will at least even the playing field between Texas and Northwestern.</p>

<p>Gil,</p>

<p>Put yourself for a minute in 'their' shoes -- (the Vamoses). They will not be surprised to discover that finances are an important factor in your decision. They will not be surprised to discover that you have other offers with better financial features that are attractive. They are grown ups, they have had students (not to mention children of their own) go through this process and probably have a clue.... it's nice that they were gracious and welcoming to you when you auditioned but that does not actually obligate you to go $80,000 into debt WITHOUT EVEN BRINGING UP THE SUBJECT WITH THEM. So the mature thing for you to do is:</p>

<p>Call them; explain your need (quote a dollar amount) + let them know about your backup offer, and give them a little time to figure out what they can or want to do to help. </p>

<p>After they make a counteroffer (not likely to be 100% of what you ask for), FEEL FREE TO REJECT OR ACCEPT based on what's best for YOU. At the same time, they will be gearing their offer to 'what's best for THEM'. That's OK, that's how it's supposed to work. So if you are one of their top choice candidates (whether it's because of your awesome violin skills, or partly because of your winning personality) they will be more likely to help find you the scholarship bucks. If you're not, then they won't. </p>

<p>This is basic bargaining, whether the object you are bargaining for is a house, a car or a Master's Program. Welcome to the grownup world. Also, can't your parents help talk you through this?</p>

<p>My parents aren't paying for it so they don't really care to be honest. They just say go wherever you can pay for.</p>

<p>I also agree. If it's meant to be that I go to Northwestern, then the necessary things will happen.</p>

<p>Another thing to consider is that these teachers are at Northwestern right now - will they be there next year for sure? Who knows? Reading the link you provided, this is the 5th college they have worked at together.</p>

<p>Best of luck with a tough decision and congrats on all your choices - you are obviously very talented and I know you will continue to grow wherever you choose to go in the fall.</p>

<p>Now I am confused- Vieux, I thought you were headed to Princeton if all works out for you, and were planning on a liberal arts curriculum, and private study.</p>

<p>I'm assuming there's something I missed, and you and GilBren are not one in the same.</p>

<p>the computer must have still been on my username for college confidential.</p>

<p>he's my boyfriend... I'm staying with him as I've been "thinking things over" (and conveniently he doesn't live in new york)</p>

<p>He saw me talking away on this and now he started posting. He's a bit more shy than I am about posting opinions, obviously he isn't too hot on the conservatories, knowing me.</p>

<p>As for the Vamoses, I don't think that's really going to happen. They're a lot older now and they have a lot of control over things where they are.</p>

<p>update: Still no word about scholarships.</p>

<p>Sorry, I should have disclosed that.</p>

<p>Fair enough. Just didn't make much sense, in the context of the thread. Gil, good luck... hopefully the Vamos' can make it happen.</p>

<p>Gil and Vieux...what a coincidence. Too bad you aren't ending up at the same schools, although that sounds like it could have been possible.</p>

<p>Linds was still logged in on the laptop and I didn't really check, sorry.</p>

<p>I'm not exactly Princeton material.</p>

<p>I wasn't talking about Princeton...but it does sound like you both (Gil and Vieux) could have been at the same conservatory next year.</p>