Need Help Deciding on a School

Parents Forum
1

<p>So, I know it's late in the game, but I've narrowed my college list down to four:</p>

<p>UMass Amherst (in state)
University of Vermont
University of Wisconsin - Madison
University of Washington</p>

<p>I would choose either UW Madison or UW Seattle in a heartbeat. I love those schools, and I absolutely love the academic rigor and atmosphere of both schools, but being out of state, they can be quite pricey and don't give the best financial aid ever (mostly loans).</p>

<p>UW Madison, in its net price calculator, showed that I am -eligible- for some grant aid.
UW Seattle offered me loans. However, I live in Mass. and work part time for a big drug store chain as a cashier. I called one of the stores near campus today and discussed transferring there with a manager and she's looking into it, so that's a big, big possible plus because I either borrow less or start repaying loans while in school?</p>

<p>I also got into UMass Amherst and UVM. UMass Amherst is in state and offered me a good chunk of aid. UVM is out-of-state, but they gave me a TON of financial aid (merit scholarship plus some wicked awesome out of state grant thing they apparently give!)</p>

<p>UMass Amherst is a great school. Granted, It's been my dream to go further away to school, but I suppose after the initial disappointment of staying local(ish) I would be okay. And I know a few people who go there, so that's a plus. And western Mass is really nice!</p>

<p>I've slowly become really, really fond of UVM. Beautiful campus, nice city, and the academics seem really good. I could see myself being very happy at UVM, and it being a cheaper option would really be okay with me.</p>

<p>My mom and dad don't seem that worried financially though. I've run it by them and they seem to think I should go to the dream school. Perhaps I'm being paranoid, like my dad says I am, but I can't help but think that maybe they're actually worried financially and just aren't telling me because they want what's best for me, and I guess it doesn't hurt that my sister didn't want to go to college. But I mean, sure I'd be a little bummed about staying in New England, but I'm sure I'd be fine at UMass Amherst or UVM.</p>

<p>As parents, what do you guys think? </p>

<p>I'm sorry this is so long and rambly. Thanks for your time!</p>

2

<p>As someone in Mass I think a lot of UMass but Wisconsin and Washington are really great schools. What do you want to study? Does that factor in? Does one have a great program? I personally think UVM is a little overrated - IMO UMass is better.</p>

<p>Talk really frankly with your parents when you have final cost figures. Tell them you want to understand what it means to them - will they take loans? Exactly what kind of burden.</p>

<p>You are really mature to worry about the costs like this after you parents say its okay. My kids are great but once I told them I could afford where they wanted to go I never heard a word…I do know they appreciate it but you are going above and beyond!</p>

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<p>Why don’t you have a FA award letter? It would eliminate a lot of “might”.</p>

4

<p>What are the net prices of each of the schools, based on actual financial aid and scholarship offers (deducting non-loan aid and scholarships from the list prices)?</p>

<p>How much debt would each school require?</p>

<p>What are your intended major and other goals?</p>