<p>I'm beginning to regret applying ED to Rice. I like the school a lot and I think I will enjoy my time there but I feel like I was very well qualified, dare I say over-qualified?, and could have gotten in without the ED boost. Now I'm locked into a school that hasn't deigned to give me any aid and I feel very guilty about the kind of financial burden my parents are going to have to assume on my behalf. I am trying to help by getting scholarships but, honestly, I don't see myself getting much money, for a variety of reasons. This guilt is really ruining the rest of my year right now and making me significantly less eager to begin school at Rice. I can't get away from thinking how I could have applied RD, probably still been accepted at Rice, and probably had a better shot at FA since they wouldn't have me locked up... Obviously this is my fault, I shouldn't have been so caught up in Rice's reputation as a "Good Value". </p>
<p>I don't know... I just feel pretty disillusioned with this whole process and needed somewhere to vent. Anyone else feel simillarly?</p>
<p>I am a parent in the upper middle class and we know we will not qualify for any aid with EFC being more than the cost of Rice. And yet as much as we loved Rice we did not encourage child to apply ED to Rice or any other school. If your parents can afford it do not feel guilty. It is OK. Most parents take pride in spending for their kids.</p>
<p>I'm a parent as well and I wish I could have allowed DS to apply ED but (just like Greatful) I knew we'd have to consider the financial package. </p>
<p>Celebrate your acceptance and enjoy the fact that you will be attending a prestigious, academically challenging university where students really love their school. I wish I was in a position to be able to tell DS with certainty that if accepted, he can attend. If accepted and he can't go because of finances; THAT is going to hurt (probably me more than him).</p>
<p>Congratulations on getting into Rice early! Don't overlook the joys of
getting into a terrific school where extremely close access to your professors,
opportunities to collaborate with other very, very bright students,
and wonderful research opportunities abound! And remember that while you can plan ahead because you've been admitted, so many prospective students are still knocking on the door, waiting and hoping. Time to feel proud of your status as a member of the Class of 2013! Started wondering about which residential college will be your home in August? What's</a> Your College? | Rice Sallyport
Curious about Rice Village -- Rice</a> Village
Picked out a t-shirt from the bookstore? Welcome</a> to Rice University Bookstore</p>
<p>Go read some of the threads where students were deferred or outright rejected. You'll feel better :)</p>
<p>Congratulations on getting accepted to a fabulous school! Could you visit Houston sometime between now and the spring? This is a wonderful time weather-wise in Houston. Maybe do an overnight at Rice.</p>
<p>Congratulations. You are going to a great school, which your parents would not have agreed to if they couldn't afford it. And think of all the stress you are missing out on: No hours of drudgery completing applications to safety schools and schools that are only partially a fit for you. No anguishing over whether everything arrived when it should have and whether to report your award for the best brownie bake-off. No waiting by the mailbox. You are one of the lucky seniors who gets to enjoy senior year!</p>
<p>
[quote]
I can't get away from thinking how I could have applied RD, probably still been accepted at Rice, and probably had a better shot at FA since they wouldn't have me locked up
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Rice doesn't play that game. You are getting the same financial aid package (or lack of one) that you would have received had you applied RD. The other part - well, I think what you are feeling is post-application-frenzy-let-down. It is normal.
Ways to make your time at Rice cheaper; get a job during the school year. There are lots of Rice jobs available to students who don't receive financial aid, and working 10 hours a week can actually help you manage your free time more effectively. That's $2000, easy. Work in the summer - there's $2500. Live off-campus in shared housing your junior and senior year - more savings. And if it turns out that you really don't want to go to Rice, you could always pull out of ED and go to a less expensive school.</p>
<p>I guess you guys are right, my parents knew what they were getting themselves into. I'll still try for the scholarships though. Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>Rice University tuition is not just a good deal, it is a great deal. Consider yourself receiving an extra $10,000 per year as Rice is priced at least this much per year below its competition. If the guilt gets overwhelming, then consider taking out unsubsidized student loans or deferring for a year to work & save money for tuition. To me, Rice University has the same academic prestige as the Ivies, Duke, Stanford, Northwestern & Chicago. If, after a year at Rice, you are unhappy, then try to transfer to another school; do well at Rice & doors are likely to open for you.</p>
<p>As kids, we often don't see the preparations that our parents have made many years in advance for our college education. Yes, it's extremely expensive, but luckily it's also something that families can prepare for. Don't be down on yourself: I don't think that your parents would have supported your decision to apply to Rice if they knew that there was no way they would be able to send you there. Rather than feeling guilt, give yourself a pat on the back for getting into an absolutely fabulous school. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Some 35+ yrs ago I insisted on paying my own way to college. My Dad insisted that I allow him to pay so I could concentrate on schoolwork. His argument was that it made more sense for me to get an early inheritance (good free education) and have a successful well paying career than to get a late inheritance when I wouldn't need it as much. His logic was correct, but I was hardheaded. I paid my own way--9 years, two universities, a BS MS and PhD later I graduated poor. My folks gave me a Mercedes diesel. It was the most expensive car I ever owned. It cost 9 years of tuition, book, living expenses, cheap recreation etc. By the way, having learned the hard way --- I am paying for my three kids education. Consider that your family is giving you your inheritance early so that you can benefit from it for the rest of your life. Your family will also benefit from your good ed.</p>
<p>DS was accepted ED to Rice when he went.We looked at it the was Coldwind is describing. Its about 10K/yr cheaper than comparable schools, so we considered it like getting a 10K scholarship. He also got a NMS, but it was pretty minimal. However, there are independent (outside)scholarships you can apply for, some that are available to apply for once you are in college. Additionally, once you are there, depending on your major, you might get some departmental scholarships. DS was awarded a few (much to his surprise-- they came out of the blue!) from the Dept of Engineering, and he applied for and won a few that were offered through the Engineering alumnae association. And, as many have mentioned, there are a lot of campus jobs available, ieven if you are not a work-study student. Good luck- ENJOY your ED. You will LOVE Rice!</p>