<p>I got in ND through EA with no financial aid. But right now, there is a gap in my collge financing, and if I go to ND, my family may need to exhaust all out savings and borrow money to help me through college. And I won't be able to attend grad school without a huge amount of financial aid. Deadlline for MHC is in mid-Jan, so I applied and received FA of approximately $30,000 per year, as well as some student loan. I LOVE ND, but MHC is easier for my family. I plan to major in maths-related subjects, most likely accounting or applied maths, and minor in social sciences or journalism. I'm really torn between the two schools.So which is better for me? Thanks:)</p>
<p>Btw, I am an international student, so student loan in ND might be impossible. My parents want me to choose Notre Dame, since they think the debt can be paid off fairly quickly, and they want the best college education for me. I LOVE ND, but always feel so guilty having to drain up their money after what has happened this months that changed our financial status. So I really value job opportunities since I want to pay my parents back asap!! Also what are the chances in the two schools of getting into a grad school or PHD program with full financial support? </p>
<p>This is a nobrainer. What do you even have to think about? 120k is an enormous amount of money. It makes much more sense to you would ruin your family for just an undergraduate degree? Go to Mt Holyoke and take every advantage that the college and the consortium offers.</p>
<p>First of all, ND wouldn’t RUIN my family. If I take a gap year, ND will be perfectly affordable for our family (I’ll pay all these back after graduation to my parents, btw, no matter how long it takes). Second, it isn’t degree or anything else that I’m pursuing. It’s the education, the school, and the people I will meet and make friends with. If ND may help me reach a better future that 120k cannot buy, why shouldn’t I give it a thought? I’d really appreciate more advice on the difference between two schools or other useful information instead of pure accusations! Third, I know MHC is a wonderful school. But I personally don’t favor all-women colleges having been in one for seven years (no offense). I love accounting and social sciences, which all appear better offered in ND. So mainly, should I give up my personal preferences to financial burdens? Or are there any sparkles of MHC I haven’t yet found? I’d appreciate more info!</p>
<p>You worried about the cost in first post then say it is perfectly affordable in next post? Spending all of family savings and borrowing is not considered perfectly affordable in any universe. But do what you like, I have no stake in it. It is entirely possible a student could do better at MHC than at ND, why would you think otherwise?</p>
<p>What I meant is that given an extra year, no money needs to be borrowed. That’s mainly why my parents want me to choose ND. I certainly know that for many people, MHC is a greater fit. But I’m NOT SURE if I am among those people. I simply don’t know it for certain, instead of demeaning the school or its students in any way. Lots of people told me to follow my heart which goes to ND. But I don’t think that’s it for college selection. That’s why I started this post. I’d really love some advice on the two schools, especially MHC. Cause now I’m not sure that I know it well enough to make this decision. Thank you!</p>
<p>Bump~</p>
<p>Maybe you need to clarify why you feel ND is such a great fit.
Are there clubs or organizations that you hope to join? Is the religious component one you feel
comfortable with? Are you looking for a big sports school? Do you love the location?</p>
<p>MHC is a terrific school that will provide you with great advising and professors who will take an interest in your future. The students are happy there and love their campus. Since you’ll have the benefit of the 5-college consortium, you’ll be able to integrate with other students at other campuses, expanding your social life considerably.
That, coupled with almost 120K less in loans, make me question what it is you think that ND possibly has (other than a larger student population) that MHC does not.</p>
<p>I agree with the earlier poster who said that you can’t separate the debt amount - regardless of your ability to pay it back, or when you’ll be able to pay it back. Just thinking that you prefer a place that you’ve not truly experienced, is not worth the extra 120K.</p>
<p>Another way to look at it is that MHC really wants you and appreciates what you have to offer, and they have demonstrated this via their scholarship. Can you say the same for ND? </p>
<p>Parent here – I really cannot see how ND is worth that kind of debt, when the alternative is Mt. Holyoke. Mt. Holyoke is a wonderful school, with great opportunities. ND is a top 20 school, with big football, single sex dorms, a big hook-up culture. I would not advise my child to take on debt for ND when the alternative is Holyoke. </p>