<p>jimmidawg, do you mind answering the question of why your parents don’t approve of your schools, and if the reason is financial? The schools you mentioned are known for poor merit aid or aren’t more highly regarded than your in-state options. Remember that even if they can afford more, you need to show them that the more expensive options have more “value” than your more affordable option. </p>
<p>Maybe we can help you in other threads create a list that your parents would like and where you can get the kind of education that you want. After all Michigan State is not that different from the UCs.</p>
<p>I encourage you to start a thread that tells us what you want in a school and we can help you with alternatives (especially affordable ones or schools that have the attributes that you and your parents value). That way you will have better reasons than USNWR rankings.</p>