<p>Hi parents, I'm posting this here to get opinions from the wiser people around here.
I'm currently stuck between 2 schools to go ED2. I'm international and need aid, and I'm sort of an athletic recruit I guess. School A and B have very similiar social environments and I think I'll be happy at both, both are LACs.
School A: Higher ranked ~10 on the usnews lac ranking, athletic team is not that good, coach willing to support but doesn't have much pull, campus is more "happening"
School B: Not as highly ranked ~25 but still quite a respectable lac, far better athletics, coach willing to support and has a lot more pull, also accepts a lot more intl students and my chances are definitely better here.
So I'm in a real dilemma here- I would certainly get a far better athletic experience at B, but the rankings are holding me back. Also, although athletics would certainly play quite a large role in my college life, its not as if I'm going pro and ultimately it won't be as important to me as academics. But then again, I'm afraid that if I go ED at A and don't get accepted, I'll end up with no school in the end as the odds are really stacked against me as an intl student needing aid. I need to make my decision soon and this is really a big headache for me, so I would really appreciate any opinions.
Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>As an intnl needing aid, go where the coach can pull you in. The first scenario does not sound like you’re being recruited. Sounds like that coach used his picks on others. There is so little money for intnls at most schools, you’re lucky if you can find a coach to pull you in. </p>
<p>The difference between numbers 10 and 25 is not big.</p>
<p>hey thanks for the reply. Actually the first school doesn’t do that much recruiting in the first place. I’m actually the 1/2 pick of the coach but he really doesn’t have much say in the process, partly the reason why the team isn’t doing well I guess.</p>
<p>I agree with the above poster. As an international student needing aid, go where you have the best chance of getting accepted, with aid. Sounds like there are other potential advantages with school B as well. </p>
<p>Whether you go to the Top 10 LAC vs. the Top 25 LAC will not end up making much difference vs. huge loans or not being able to attend college at all.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>