<p>The Penn State aid that I've received, is a joke. I'm not sure, if I want to attend University Park or not. I've received a better offer at TCU, which I might declare as the college, I'm attending within two weeks. If, PSU--god willingly, that is--"revises" my aid package, then I might go, to Penn State.</p>
<p>You have to make the decision that is best for you. </p>
<p>But, as I noted on the other post - PSU is VERY up-front about the fact that their freshman aid is negligible. After that - with good grades - aid money (scholarships/cash awards) thru the individual colleges/departments is usually more flowing. We knew this going in and made decisions accordingly.</p>
<p>My son will get the $3500 scholarship from the Honors College and that is it. We are OOS and it will cost us a bundle. He had almost full scholarships at other schools, but we all realized that PSU was the best place for him to be, so we will just make it work.</p>
<p>@Grcxx3. I’m not sure how much, the loan I would need to take out–it’s not even mention of loans on my aid summary on eLION.</p>
<p>bmsa91 - I know the thought of taking on big loans is scary. It’s a big decision. </p>
<p>I guess you need to decide if going to PSU is worth it for you. Is it the “right” school? You need to think about-
(1) Does it have the program you want?
(2) Is the program well-respected?
(3) If you decide on another academic area, does the school offer enough options?
(4) Have you visited the campus and did you like it?
(5) Are you okay with a big campus?
(6) Are you okay with being in the middle of Pennsylvania?<br>
(7) Does the “party” reputation bother you?<br>
(8) Will being far away from home be a problem - emotionally and financially (in terms of travel costs)?</p>
<p>For us - here’s how the above questions came out…
(1) Yes, PSU is one of a rather small number of schools (about 20) that offer the specific program my son is interested in.
(2) Yes, PSU and UT (Austin) have the most well-respected programs. Ironic - since we are in Houston, but the chance of DS getting into UT was slim to none so he didn’t even try. Plus - he wasn’t interested in staying in TX and he HATES the UT band uniforms (see answer #5!).
(3) Yes, DS definitely wants ENGR and all the programs at PSU are strong.
(4) Yes, we visited last summer and loved the campus, felt the people we met (students, faculty, and staff) were friendly and welcoming and truly interested in my son, and we loved all the various campus activities and school traditions.
(5) Yes, my son made the transition from a very, very small international school to a rather large US public high school as a junior. What made the transition work for him was being part of the band. Going to college, he is “okay” with being on a big campus because he plans to audition for the Blue Band (no guarantee, but a good chance), and if he doesn’t make that, then he still plans on being involved in some sort of music ensemble (pep band, jazz band). It also helps that he was accepted to the Honors College. Had he not made the HC, then he wanted to get into the Engineering learning community. Somehow, someway - he wants to find a group to “belong” to that involves his interests - either academic or musical.
(6) Yes, mainly because my husband’s family is just 90 minutes away. So my son has spent a lot of time in PA.
(7) No, my son is not a big “partier” but he is not sheltered with respect to a culture of drinking. Growing up overseas, he is used to being places where teenager drinking (mainly wine) was the norm. Will he drink? Probably. Will it be a problem? Doubtful.
(8) Being away from home will be harder on us than on him! He will have family nearby if he feels a little homesick (or needs anything). Financially, we can afford for him to come home several times a year, but if he makes the Blue Band - the trips home will be less frequent!</p>
<p>We basically worked thru a similar list of questions for each college he was seriously considering (about 4). In the end, we all agreed that it was a “no-brainer!”</p>
<p>I wish you luck in your decision.</p>