<p>First off let me say that I live in southern NC. I'm majoring in journalism. I've been accepted to the University of Tennessee, and I'm waiting to hear on USC-Columbia. Now, I know you're thinking "why doesn't he apply to Chapel Hill?" Well, I would love to go there, but I'm not statistically good enough to get in. </p>
<p>The thing is, I really would like to apply to the University of Alabama. I've checked their journalism program out and it seems like it is better than UT's and USC-Columbia's. My parents however are reluctant to let me apply. The first time I asked, they just flat out said no. But the second time, it was more of a "well... I'm not so sure" type of response. At first, I was really looking into UGA because their journalism program is pretty well known, but after doing my research I've decided I would have just as tough of a time getting into UGA as I would UNCCH. I'm pretty certain that I would be able to get into UA. I think they're just worried that it would be too far away (7 hours) for me, and I agree, it might be too far away, but I would still like to apply, take a visit, and compare my options. From what I've heard, UA is generous with their scholarships, financial aid, etc (even though I wouldn't expect them to be) Not to mention, I would qualify for more at UA than UT or USC-Columbia. Another minor thing is that I've been a Crimson Tide fan for a while now, and it would feel weird to not go to (or apply even) to a school that I've been focused on my whole high school career. I think that my parents misconceive that I want to go to UA just for the football. </p>
<p>My two questions are: 1) What would you do in my situation about choosing a school? Far away with better program or half the distance with not as good of a program? (again, not trying to say that these programs aren't any good at USC or UT, just based on what I've heard, program rankings, etc) and 2) How should I approach my parents about letting me apply to UA? Thanks!</p>
<p>Run the net price calculator. And if you can find any info that compares the ranking or results of the journalism programs between the schools you have applied to, print that out. If you can show that the cost is the same (or maybe cheaper!), and the program is better, maybe they will okay an application.</p>
<p>University of Alabama is generous with their scholarship money for the best qualified applicants. If you’re worried about getting into UGA, no offense but you wouldn’t qualify for their merit scholarships. Besides, I believe the deadline has already passed. </p>
<p>Are there any other, less competitive, schools in North Carolina which offer journalism? What about Appalachian State which offers a journalism major?</p>
<p>Alabama’s deadline for scholarships was Dec 1.</p>
<p>Are you a senior? </p>
<p>maybe your parents are also concerned about paying OOS costs. What is their budget. </p>
<p>What are your test scores and GPA? Whenhen is right. Bama is generous with scholarship for strong stats. If acceptance to UGA is questionable, then that means your stats aren’t high enough for merit at Bama. And, again, the deadline for merit has passed. </p>
<p>* I think that my parents misconceive that I want to go to UA just for the football. *</p>
<p>Lol…well, you need to have your parents visit the school so that they can see what it can offer you. Alabama is my kids’ undergrad (one is now in grad school, the other is a senior at Bama). Football has been fun, but dedicated students don’t let the excitement interfere with their studies. It’s a nice diversion for a few hours on about 12 Saturdays.</p>
<p>In my opinion, 7 hrs away is not far. Do you need your parents permission to apply, or can you pay the app fee on your own? It looks like you were planning to apply a week ago, so its probably a good idea to get this done while you can before time runs out. IF you can convince them to take you to visit after you apply, maybe they will be more open to the idea, if you like it, get in and can afford it. Good luck!</p>
<p>For me job one is to discuss (not argue) with your parents what the limitations they want to place on your applications and why … and the first conversation should only be to seek to understand their viewpoint … and not to try to talk them out of their position at all. Then given their information you can figure out how to combat those concerns with information … research answers to their concerns, find counter examples to concerns (your sibling went 8 hours away, UA would be cheaper than the in-state private option, UA has a higher % of OOS students than your in-state school).</p>
<p>I’d also try to delay a confrontation for as long as possible … you do not need to pick a school until May 1st … right now you just need to apply to schools. Can you pay for the UA application yourself? (and for other options would like to add)? Can you offer to add another school your parents like if you can add UA? Some creativity may allow you to leave more options open now. If you can get the applications in you have 4 months to work on being given more options when you finally pick a school.</p>
<p>I’ve seen your stats and you should get accepted to Bama if you apply soon.</p>
<p>You’re interested in Sports Journalism, so Bama is a good choice. Bama is completing a new Digital Media Center (50,000 sq ft) in Bryant Denny for this purpose. </p>
<p>“The Digital Media Center is due to be completed in late 2012, where it will serve as a technological model for collaborative creation and distribution of content through multiple platforms, including broadcast, internet streaming, and mobile devices. The center will serve as a home to WVUA, the University’s commercial television station, as well as the Center for Public Television and Radio, and Crimson Tide Productions, a division of UA Athletics that produces both live sports and athletic content.”</p>
<p>If your parents are fine with the OOS costs for UTenn, then they should be fine with Bama’s.</p>