<p>I hope things work out for everyone! I have found the advice and conversation here to be very valuable. My son applied to only one school and was accepted. He applied only to this school because it is close to extended family, he knows a few kids there (through family) and thinks he'll at least play JV hockey. Now comes the issue we were afraid of: no aid was offered. I won't bore you with all the details but finances are likely to get precarious as spouse is being laid off June (yes, trying to find new work). Of course the school wants an answer and money by April 9. Son and I just made a list of pros and cons and there are many on either side. So, he could stay here and continue at his huge high school and graduate next year. Life would go on. He's good kid but I do see him as being a young man without tons of direction. He sees himself as a hockey player and, sadly, we all know that this may not be a path he can pursure that will enable him to support himself. His college choices would be limited as I expect a GPA of around 2.8 or so.<br>
So wise parents out there, I ask: is it worth it to sink his entire college savings into 2 years of BS with the hopes that he finds his nich as a student and young man? I'm not hell bent on Harvard, I just want to help him find a place for himself in the world. My gut tells me to shell out the money and pray!!!</p>
<p>I’m a big proponent of the BS experience - but college is far more important in my opinion. I would never tell anyone how to spend their money, but I also wouldn’t want to shackle my child with college loans if I didn’t have to. With a 2.8 gpa he isn’t likely to make it into an elite school where financial aid seems more abundant than in state schools. If you’re assuming his gpa will go up at BS I guess that’s another thing. But how can you make that assumption? Maybe you’re thinking he’ll get a sports scholarship to college? These are just all the things you need to consider before you shell out your money.</p>
<p>to the OP: I am a little confused as to the facts re your son, but I am not sure if it makes a difference. Is he a junior reapplying to be a junior, so he will go 2 yrs to bs and only would go 1yr to public? I know some of the schools let you go even for just one year and still get a diploma, so I am just wondering. Anyway, the thing with money and a good school is always a dilemma. We have never used public school, having used parochial and now private day school. I do think that my D’s school is better for her than the public would be, and it is a highly regarded school. She has much more interaction with her teachers than in public. She has had an opportunity to play 3 sports, and she is not really an athlete. The school is a good school, but also the size and teacher ratio really contribute to a better experience. If I had to take out of savings now due to economy, I think I would do it, since we feel committed. </p>
<p>The thing to consider is will there be enough for the college at all. If there would be nothing, you must have a plan on how to pay. Would he get FA then (after all even for profile, once the savings are spent, they are no longer available for college)? Would he need a lot of loans? THe financial aid for college has many interesting threads on cc, and you have some time, so if you feel like reading, there are some good ones to check. There are FA calculators to use to estimate EFC and you could do this considering diminished savings etc. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you in whatever decision you make.</p>
<p>For me it would really depend on the school. Is this a school known for taking kids similar to him and bringing them to new heights? Is it a school that wants him for Hockey is is just likely to have him focused on that? </p>
<p>Also, is it clear they’ll give you no aid for both years? If your husband does not find work will they consider you for aid the second year?</p>
<p>Thanks anothermom2. Yes, he is currently a junior and the BS would only do a repeat junior then senior year. I do think he would do well at BS since he is so used to very large schools and classrooms. He’s done okay with it but he always does better when he gets more personalized help. I know not to expect miracles but he certainly couldn’t just get by when the teacher is dealing with far fewer students. Thanks for helping me ponder.</p>
<p>In the acceptance letter, most of the paragraphs were devoted to the fact that they have no aid to offer and would not likely offer aid ever if it wasn’t offered at first. I guess it’s worth a try at negotiating. All they can say is no. I don’t know if it’s a school that will bring him to new heights but I imagine he could really blossom. He’s a little fish in a very big pond here.</p>
<p>You applied because in your gut you know he needs to be someplace else. Trust your gut.</p>
<p>He needs time to find himself and get that 2.8 up to the tougher prep school 3.4 or so to hit merit aid threshold. But mostly it sound like he needs two years at a better school to grow as a person. Trust yourself and your instincts. </p>
<p>And call family members to see if they can help. A thousand here and a thousand there, to be paid back later can really help.</p>
<p>Are there any private day schools in your area that he can attend?</p>