Money vs. Reputation

State Forums
1

<p>Currently I am going to a no-name school in Boston that's costing me what I feel is a fortune. I've been going to Simmons College for a year now and even after I was accepted into the honors program, the financial aid is just not cutting it.
I thought, "I'll transfer to BC, BU, or Brandeis and pay the same amount for a reputable school." BU gave my best friend **** financial aid and I'd have to sell my kidney if I wanted to attend. I don't believe in myself enough to apply to BC and Brandeis, well, I just picked it because it's well-known.
I'm a French major. There aren't that many schools that specialize in languages in MA. Actually, I don't know of any, so if anyone here does I'd appreciate the enlightenment. My point is, should I even spend that much money on my education when I could get it cheaper at UMAss? I'm living off-campus with a friend and I live near UMAss, so why not? Is the school's reputation that important, or is it dependent on the student to get the best out of their education regardless of the institution?
Should I take the risk of applying to BC or Brandeis and getting in debt? Or should I go to UMass Boston and take a plethora of classes for less than half the price of a private school? </p>

<p>Side-note: I've already been accepted to UMass.</p>

<p>Any advise is appreciated.</p>

2

<p>I don’t know about UMass Boston, but I know UMass Amherst has a phenomenal language/linguistics program- a lot better than BU. Have you tried applying there? </p>

<p>And in general, I always think it’s better to go with a cheaper option. You can always work hard undergrad and go to the brand name grad school of your dreams- after you have some money.</p>

3

<p>Why not apply to the colleges you want - including UMass AMHERST, not UMass Boston. Simmons is a good school, and if you got in there and are doing well there, you’d probably get into UMass Amherst. And apply to BC, Brandeis, etc. See if you get in, and see what aid they offer. What’s the risk? At worst, you don’t get in, or you do and can’t afford it so you go to UMass Amherst. But at least you tried. </p>

<p>I mean, right now you stand no chance of getting in, because you’re too afraid to even apply. So apply. What’s there to lose except the application fee?</p>