<p>I'll make this post short and sweet :) So I quite possibly will have a chance to go to a top 10 liberal arts college. To attend it would cost around 20-25k. I believe that this school is a great fit for me, and I would have a great experience.</p>
<p>I can also attend a state college (third tier I guess? Whatever that means... It's ranked 150 or so nationally) and probably attend for around 10-15k. Although it is not as highly ranked, I make the most of everything and would still be happy there. However, I do have some concerns about this school that I don't feel like elaborating on. </p>
<p>So my question is, is it worth it to go to the more expensive school? What would the benefits of this be, or would the state school be just as adequate? (I know that there would definitely be more intangible benefits of a small LAC such as closer relationships to professors, much more breach in curriculum, etc) </p>
<p>*Major: History
White, female
Mid-Atlantic Region</p>
<p>GPA: 3.97uw/ 4.7 w
SAT: 680 cr/ 640 m/ 770 w (though they don’t consider writing<br>
ACT: 29 (31 math, 29 reading, 33 writing, 27 science)</p>
<p>Took 8 AP classes, plan to take 10 AP tests. Took every history AP. Scored 5s on all except two (got 4s)</p>
<p>SAT Subject:
750 US history
650 English*</p>
<p>What top 10 LAC do you think you’re going to get into?</p>
<p>You have a 1310 M+Cr which is equivalent to your ACT (don’t know why that poster in your other thread thought that your ACT was much lower. The Writing score on the SAT doesn’t count for much even when schools want to see the ESSAY score.)</p>
<p>1320 but who’s counting, mom? love the rigor suggested by the WTD score, but would like to see some ranking. To get into a top 10 LAC there has to be something else that makes up for the weaker SATI, which are pretty consistent with the SATIIs as well as the ACT. With what we have here, I don’t see the top 10. Like mom, I agree you’re a good candidate for a school between top 10 and state school, maybe one with better aid than either of these schools. Where are the matches in your list? Are you a senior?</p>
<p>Just my two cents worth, but I’d be wary of running up a lot of debt with a major in History. Still, though, it is pretty typical that people change majors along the way so I’d not make my decision entirely on that. There is, however, something to be said for being practical.</p>
<p>A major in history from a 3rd tier college is unlikely to take you as far as a major in history from a top LAC. You won’t likely work “in” history so the connections from the LAC will help you and if you plan on going to grad school the LAC will prepare you better because the 3rd tier university will teach toward your classmates’ goals, which for most will not include preparing for a PHD. History can also lead you to law school but it’s only worth it if you attend a “top” law school (no jobs otherwise).
On the other hand, taking on lots of debt for a history major isn’t wise, so would the $10,000 difference be paid for by your parents, would it include the $5,500 federal loan or would it add to that, or would it be a loan they take on for you? And, most importantly, what do they say about it?</p>
<p>It really depends on your family’s financial position. If they can comfortably afford then LAC, then I’d go for it (my D is at a LAC and is having an absolutely wonderful college experience. But if you will have to rack up a ton of debt by going to the LAC, then the state school is a great option. Also consider if you want to attend grad school and how those expenses will fit into the overall scheme of things.</p>