Permission to Rant About Making College Decisions

Up until recently, I thought I knew that I wanted to attend Mississippi State. I visited at UAB (University of Alabama Birmingham) and ended up liking it a lot more than I anticipated. In fact, it has even shifted to my number one choice. I loved the opportunities in the school of public health, as well as all the volunteering opportunities at hospitals nearby in Birmingham. However, the more I think about it, the more I realize how tough it will be to give up on that more traditional campus that I was so excited about at MSU. They have such a rich history and I hate the thought of giving up on the football games and tailgating and family experience. UAB has the opportunities, but I am missing that traditional feel. They have made great strides in changing from a commuter school to a traditional campus but still I’m not sure if it will be enough. Do you pick experience or opportunities?

Why aren’t you going to Auburn since you’re a life-long fan?

@mom2collegekids‌ I wish!!! I’m a military brat and my dad has always kept his state of legal residence and home of record in the same state (Tennessee) so I only have in state in Tennessee and Georgia (where I live). I had to apply to places where I had chances for large scholarships to bring down out of state costs. I didn’t have the stats for Auburn’s out of state reduction scholarship.

@futuredoc96‌ (re #2): I don’t know when your father served, but you really need to investigate the VA’s “Yellow Ribbon Program”/u. I believe it permits the transfer of benefits from the service member/veteran to dependents and it’s designed for those who served after 11 SEP 2001. This may be inapplicable to your situation; HOWEVER, if you qualify, it basically (as I understand it) reduces tuition at many universities to a much more affordable rate. I apologize for not having a detailed understanding, but I know with certainty that it can be a tremendous college cost reducer, if you qualify.