<p>I was accepted to American University, MY DREAM SCHOOL in DC but money is of course, a problem. Mills College, an all women school in California, gave me the most money of all the colleges i was accepted to. So my choice is between those 2 colleges. </p>
<p>Here's the breakdown</p>
<p>EFC: $8000</p>
<p>AMERICAN
Total Cost of tuition: $47,601
Total Award: $21,650
Subsidized Loans: $3,000
Work Study: $2,000
Aid Gap: ~$18,000</p>
<p>MILLS
Total Cost of Tuition: $49,760
Total Award: $34,570
Mills Loan: $1,500
Subsidized Loan: $3,500
Work Study: 3,000
Aid Gap: ~$7,000</p>
<p>Its been a dream of mine to study International Relations in DC but doing so would put a large burden on my parents and myself. If i chose to go mills, i'd be enrolled in an all women's college which is something i'm not too fond of, but i could prolly live with...i mean they're both great schools...ahh i'm in desperate need of opinions.</p>
<p>I think you should give Mills a go. They have a solid reputation, active alumni..lots of contacts coming out of school to get into the work world and you will be so much further ahead if you are not saddled with tons of debt to pay off. Wouldn't you rather be splurging on a new car when you graduate or would you be satisfied driving around in a used car while you pay down those loans???</p>
<p>There are several colleges and universities that have a "Washington Semester" type of program(Clark University and Goucher College are two examples that come to mind), where you would spend a semester in DC, usually pursuing an internship, possibly with college classes. I have a child at AU and I believe that they often host students who are pursuing this program. Does Mills offer such a program? That might be a way for you to attend a more financially feasible school while still having that Washington DC/internship experience. </p>
<p>Whichever college you choose, good luck to you. :)</p>
<p>Go to American. If it's your dream then go for it. Debt is not something you want but I say your dream is worth a little risk. You make this choice once. Throw away your fear and roll the dice. My opinion.</p>
<p>i think a college semester exchange, if Mills offers it would be the best approach
or maybe another college you were accepted to that might no have as much aid as Mills, but more than American, that offers semester exchange (if Mills doesnt) would be a good compromise</p>
<p>Once you say "large burden", I say forget it. Mills is a great place to go to school. My understanding is that you can take courses at Berkeley through concurrent enrollment as well, which broadens your opportunities.</p>
<p>hmmm......have you been to American? You are from Hawaii? That is a LONG way from DC....both geographically and culturally!Is your dream well grounded in facts? Just sort of pondering here.</p>
<p>Because I generally favor following your heart and taking the student loans to do so. BUT....the caveat is whether your dreams are well grounded. If its a fantasy and you have no real experience in either....you may be disappointed if you find out you dont like the classes or profs or cultural experience. On the other hand, if you deny yourself a serious and well grounded dream, you will be thinking about it all the time at Mills.....and likely not performing very well...and irritating everyone in the dorm who is sick and tired of hearing, "I got into American but couldnt afford it but I really want to go there...." etc.</p>
<p>If you can visit with your parents to American then do so. Living in Hawaii is also problematic....DC is SO far from home.....what if you find out you simply dont like DC...its a frenetic place...trust me! Eastern people are NOT the same as West Coast people.....etc. </p>
<p>But if after a visit with mom or dad or both you still say, "This is ME!" they may recognize the same thing and be willing to help more. </p>
<p>And the previous poster also had an excellent idea: CALL AMERICAN and inform them of your dilemma...and maybe they can bump the aid a bit.</p>
<p>If you are a serious student who will buckle down and REALLY perform (and not get distracted by wild college dorm life...because its out there...at EVERY school), and get the grades to get into a wonderful graduate program...then maybe American is a good choice.</p>
<p>Mills is a fine school and contrary to some conventional wisdom an all female school is not so bad....and may even be better and healthier for you. </p>
<p>Go get em and good luck! And congratulations!</p>