It appears as if you are completely sold on University of Houston, so why not pull the trigger and move forward, instead of constantly obsessing about Macaulay Honors College at CUNY Queens College?
I curious why The University of Central Florida (UCF) and Florida International University (FIU) did not make your list. If I not mistaken, both would offer full ride for NMF. IMHO, both these Universities are much better options than University of Houston. Both UCF and FIU are among the largest Universities in the US (> 50K Students), has one of the nicest Campuses/Dorms around.
It’s too late to apply to FIU, and UCF is only full-tuition for NMF.
I don’t think it’s too late for FIU. Email them if you see them as a viable alternative.
(Location is much better, as is campus and community).
The NMF scholarship program at FIU is competitive and is only awarded to students who receive certain other scholarships that require applying by November 1. http://admissions.fiu.edu/costs-and-aid/scholarships/index.html Either way, it would still have the same problems for me as UH: very far away, never been there, never was my top choice. I guess it would’ve been better for campus life but like I said, I think realistically that shouldn’t be much of a concern. 50% of freshmen do dorm at UH, so the commuter atmosphere can’t be that bad (i.e. at QC, where a whopping 1% of freshmen dorm). Originally, the contest was between MHCQC and tOSU for me, and I had decided on tOSU, since I wanted the experience of going away, there being a myriad of student activities, and the scholarship I got from them (Morrill Prominence) meant a lot to me as a passionate person about racial diversity and equity. Then when I compare tOSU and UH, UH has the financial savings, tons of racial diversity, and is in a very urban setting, but lacks my exact preferred major (TESOL) and is far away. whereas tOSU has every major I could ask for and a beautiful campus. I’ve realized that it being a party school/sports school really shouldn’t matter to me, and neither should it not being as diverse as UH, since it is huge and still has more diversity than my hometown. The only real con is the price. However, I keep thinking back to Macaulay because it was my top choice for so long and I’m very proud to have gotten in, and I’ve been told not to underestimate the importance of advising and priority registration. Then again, I will also have those things if I get into UH Honors College. There is also specialized tutoring/mentoring for ODI scholars at tOSU.
I got my financial aid package from OSU and I’m also getting half room & board paid for. It looks like it’s going to be OSU for me. Still not fully decided though.
I understand that UH seems attractive from a virtual tour, but I can tell you that many times we traveled to schools that looked promising on line only to find the school to be far more commuter-oriented than expected.
The average age of student at UH is 22 years old, with nearly 20% of the students older than 25 years of age. More than 25% of the students are part-time. Only 2% come from states other than Texas. 50% of new freshman live on campus, but this drops way down after the first year, as only 19% of students live in campus housing.
Yes, Queens College is mostly commuter, has older students, and there very few dorm rooms available for freshman. But the attraction of going there is being a Macaulay Scholar, which offers you amazing opportunities for seminar style classes, study abroad options, and access to internships.
UH is not the cheapest option - QC is. You are choosing a field that is not well paid (ESL) and in many states (including NY) graduate school is required for certification. If you can save the money in undergraduate and focus on relocating after undergraduate for graduate school in Texas, or wherever else it is you want to teach, then that would be a great plan.
At this point it’s tOSU v. Queens in terms of value. Have you taken the virtual tour? Might tOSU “fly you in”?
Cost of living at Ohio State is certainly cheaper than in the city as well. Great education department and with the Honors program, you will be well taken care of. Very diverse and friendly. Yes, it has a big sports culture but it’s a small city in itself so you can find a place. Oh, and it’s very safe.
I would suggest OSU. I live in the state of Ohio, have visited, and it seems to be the best college on the list, especially since you have the free tuition aspect down. Social aspect is wonderful and honestly anyone can find their niche. You will love the parties, the education at the honors college is great, and you won’t find a better football team anywhere outside the SEC.
Help me out? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1762064-duke-vs-northwestern-vs-vanderbilt-vs-uc-berkeley-for-social-guy.html
Are these “opportunities” Macaulay offers more valuable than the cost of dorming and not going away to school/going to a commuter campus?
I think the growth and experiences from living on your own on a college campus are more valuable than the Macaulay perks.
Thanks for the advice everyone! The decisions’s not completely final but it really looks like it’s gonna be OSU for me. Only owe about $7,000/yr for the rest of room & board and books and what not, highly ranked public school and highly ranked for teacher education, my acceptance there meant a lot to me, has every other major I could ask for, and has school spirit/traditional college atmosphere. I guess the only con is that I can’t visit before committing.
So I’m going into about 6,000/yr, ($24,000) total in debt for 4 years. Is that a lot of debt? I found out its close to the national average, and I feel surprised that I’m getting a full-tuition scholarship to OSU and will still have the average amount of debt as a college student.
24K total isn’t “a lot”, but close (“a lot” would be 30k+, ie., more than the federal limit) but it’s way more than I expected considering you got a full tuition scholarship + partial R&B. What’s your student contribution (outside of loans)? Your parents’ contribution?
The cost of dorm rooms will not stay the same; consider 3% increase yearly. $24K of loans is still a considerable amount considering ESL teachers’ salary. Also keep in mind that scholarships are valid only for 4 years, and for whatever reason, if you extend your study beyond 4 years, the out of state tuition will simply be too much of a financial burden. Think over the financial risk before committing to tOSU.
I am thinking it over of course, but OSU still seems like a better choice. Houston may be less expensive (half as much debt) but OSU has more programs that I like (as well as my exact major) , the scholarship I’m receiving also involves being part of a group of students involves in diversity & social justice which are things about I’m passionate about.
Will you be working this summer and during the year to decrease the amount you’ll borrow? You don’t HAVE TO take all the loans “offered” to you. What’s the exact direct cost left over - and how much is “books, miscellaneous, transportation”? Because “books, miscellaneous, transportation” can vary a lot depending on your frugality and spending habits. You may need to buy a goosedown parka… but do you need a Canada Goose? Will the LLBean one (600 dollars cheaper) work as well for you? What about re-using your current coat? You may buy your books new, or used. Or rent them. Considerable savings there, too.
The only costs that you can’t change are the direct costs - what you pay OSU directly. Can you look into this?
Committed to OSU! Thanks everyone for the advice, you were all very helpful!
Thank you, and CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!! Do come back to post an update 