<p>I, too, like @HateBeinSober, am turning down a handful of top tier schools in lieu of my local public university - for one, they gave me a full scholarship (I’m literally not paying a cent), plus a spot in their inaugural honors college; second - my interests are in grad school and I’d much rather thrive at a lower ranked school and maintain higher grades, thus bolstering my chances of getting into a far more elite grad school, rather than struggle to maintain decent grades at a far more “prestigious” school - especially at my options that were notorious for grade deflation. </p>
<p>With full scholarships, you aren’t burdened by the thought of breaking your parents’ bank account or the dreadful thought of loan repayments looming over you while you’re trying to study for your next test. Huge debt for a brand name school can often mean putting a delay (or even an end) to a lot of the splendors of young adulthood - including grad school, buying your first car, house, or even getting married – why would I want to come out of school at 21 years old with huge financial obligations when I’ve barely even lived. Uncle Sam and Sallie Mae can wait. </p>
<p>Not to mention - the full ride is academic based; so I, and only I, am the one putting myself through school - no one else is helping me - not my family, not Sallie Mae, and not the government. </p>
<p>It’s hard to express this to the prestige-monster core of CC; but I am really so thankful for the opportunity to get a free education; even though it isn’t ivy. </p>