<p>My oldest daughter was an RA during her soph and junior years. She found it to be a valuable experience financially as well as socially. It was especially helpful when she applied to grad school in Boston and was able to secure an RA position at her grad school. She was the RA in a building with 25 apartments for 2 years and had a 2 bedroom apartment to herself both years. It was a great savings in terms of room and board and was also helpful in making new friends in a new city.</p>
<p>Well my D has been accepted as an RA for the upcoming year. She is very excited and is looking forward to it. Unfortunately it does not really help us financially though. Where she goes they have an international incentive that is almost equivalent to the cost of room and board, nowhere does it it say that it is for R&B but it does state that the student must stay on campus and use the 19 meal plan. Apparently they will adjust the initiative to be equivalent to what she gets now by reducing it equivalent to the free room she gets as RA. Oh well it was nice to think we would get an extra break for a while but really the experience is worth it and it is not costing us anymore.</p>
<p>I am in business, and if I see RA on a resume, that kid goes to top of pile. That is a kid who will understand putting up with stuff, responsibility, etc.</p>
<p>Not sure I have this right. Are you saying that they are reducing a financial aid amount she is currently receiving by the amount she would make as an RA? If so, I really admire your daughter’s work ethic, to be willing to work for something she was previously receiving for free. RA is definitely a worthwhile experience, but I’m not sure I agree with the college’s policy. RA requires a lot of work and I’m sorry that you will not get the financial break for that - but I agree the experience is well worth it.</p>
<p>gamom2 you understood right. They are going to reduce her financial aid by the amount of the room cost. She is a very proud person who believes she can do some good as an RA (her RA s have been good for her) and the financial part was not her motive. I respect her decision very much and we had told her that the money part was not to be the deal breaker. We were paying for her schooling at any rate and had planned on X amount and that it would only be a bonus if it worked in her favour. Hopefully all will go well next year as RA though, they were extra hard on her apparently because for the last 4 semestres she has not had less than 24 credit hours and is planning roughly the same for next year. (she is contemplating a third major). She used that to her advantage though by showing them her dedication, scheduling abilities and lack of fear for responsibility because she has maintained a 3.94 GPA. She wanted to be RA and had bassically told herself she could prove that she would be good at it not only from the responsibilities of RA but also as a role model. In case you cant tell we are pretty proud of her.</p>
<p>You have every right to be proud of her. As I said above, I really respect her work ethic and her choice demonstrates her excellent character. My oldest D was also an RA, and I know there are many candidates for the colleges to choose from. As Kayf said, it also is a great addition to her resume for future applications. Best of luck to her :)</p>