<p>Well this is a bummer for sure then. I’m pretty disappointed that I can’t do what I want and take opportunities because of financial issues. At my school, the average SAT is 1200…that’s all three subjects combined. So I guess I’m disappointed that even though I was off the charts at high school, and did better than thousands of students before me, I’m still going to the same school as everyone else in top 10%. I just feel a little underachieved I guess. But it’s okay, I’ll live with shrinking my ego a tad</p>
<p>NEPatriot, first of all, call NEU and find out if there are any merit awards in the picture for you from them. Also, what doEs the NEU NPC indicate in terms of any money, and also what is your FAFSA EFC? IMO, six figures in loans is way too much, unless your family is so well situatied that it’s a cash flow issue. They’ve been straddled with school loans for a lot of the lives, from what you have shared with us, and it seems to be a danged shame to straddle them for the next 10-25 years cosigning with you, unless this is truly no hardship, maybe a cash flow thing for them. Loans are not always bad, but I would not want to stick my parents with ones that large as they are getting older in life, if finances are any issue. It’s time to get rid of those obligations, not take on new ones as one gets older. So do talk to them to get a sense of what their situation is, not just from what they are saying to you, but what the implications of what each alternative is for them and you. Just because they are adults and parents doesn’t make them good money managers. THat’s what you want to be, right? I can tell you, my kids are a weak spot for me, and we parents tend to make the wrong financial decisions to give to our kids, but this kind of "give’ may not be a true gift in the long run. </p>
<p>Just from an internet board, we cannot get the full picture, so you need to make that decision as to what the experience in Boston is worth. And that is what you would be paying for–the experience, because the education and degree is not worth more at NEU than from Florida or Alabama, is the bottom line. That is usually what people pay the big bucks for, the experience rather than the degree itself, with a few exceptions. </p>
<p>The cosigned loans would show up in BOTH credit histories, the student AND the parent. Doesn’t matter if it’s in one name only. Counts the same. It’s worse, as any issues will ding BOTH credit reports and scores. If student dies, is disabled or dropped out, the loan is still there, with parent still holding the bag In some ways, the PLUS is a better deal because if parent or student dies, the loan is forgiven. NOt so with the cosigned ones. But the PLUS interest rate is up there. OP would need to do a price comparison, but even at the lower rates, that the interest starts accumulating immediately after funds are dispersed has a huge effect.</p>
<p>Hmm, not so fast. Your stats, though not “off the charts” by CC standards, are certainly good enough to garner you merit aid at plenty of schools, and there is still time to apply to other schools. If I were you I would check out many of the threads about “guaranteed merit aid” and other threads about the level of aid given by schools. As an Texan applying on the east coast you might find yourself in a better position than you think in terms of adding some geographic diversity to one of the midtier LACs around here - and get yourself closer to your goal and away from everybody else. Keep researching, just because NU is unaffordable doesn’t mean you can’t find some more affordable options.</p>
<p>
Not to be a downer but, welcome to life. Except for the mega-rich, all people are constrained by financial issues. Remember, due to your hard work in HS you are fortunate to have two very workable solutions that will provide you an excellent education at an affordable price.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>NEPatriots</p>
<p>This is not true. “People with the average SAT 1200…that’s all three subjects combined” don’t get near full rides in Texas (exception can be a homeless/foster care kid from inner city school who graduated valedictorian).
You did get almost full ride. It’s a huge blessing.
You might go to the same university as SOME OTHER kids (not many!!! at A&M) from your high school, but you’ll go there FOR FREE. </p>
<p>This is your accomplishment! This is your reward!</p>
<p>I perfectly understand that in the environment with “people with the average SAT 1200…that’s all three subjects combined” you had to feel quite depressed. And probably this is the reason you think some universities on the other side of the country are better than those closer to home.
But it’s not true.</p>
<p>You’ll be at a huge university, with tens of thousands of students, you’ll make new friends, the absolute majority of them would be much brighter than your average high school (not college bound) kid. In the student body this huge you can easily avoid any former classmates if you wish to. </p>
<p>Look at the brighter side.
A&M is a very good university with great opportunities and prospective. And it’s FREE!</p>
<p>You are very lucky! Congratulations!</p>