<p>So we are down to the final days of decision time and D is still conflicted.She would like to major in International Studies, concentration in Africa and study abroad, possibly work for non-profit or govt.eventually. She has been accepted into Brockport's Delta College with scholarship, she could graduate in 3 years with a summer month long study in Kenya as well as a semester in Ghana, no student debt. We were all blown away by our visit to Hobart and William Smith, where she has been offered 1/2 scholarship, but would have some debt upon graduation (25K). IR is their strongest program, college president is a former director of Peace Corp, and deputy chief of staff for Clinton. Would the opportunities offered by the "connections" of graduating from HWS be worth it? Any input is appreciated as she has only a few days!</p>
<p>vahevala- sometimes life is unfair. If HWS offers a better networking system and a way for your d to have more connections, it may be the way to go. </p>
<p>Maybe I’ve been living in the suburbs too long, but a debt of 25K doesn’t sound too exhorbatant- and in today’s world connections and networking go a long way and may be worth the higher cost of HWS.
(Though the program at Brockport sounds terrific too.) </p>
<p>Let your d go with her gut- it sounds like she has 2 wonderful options.</p>
<p>Thanks Marny1, yes the debt is very doable and we a thrilled with her 2 options. She seems to be leaning towards Brockport.</p>
<p>Wow, I am impresses with the HWS situation.</p>
<p>The connections made at a top college can be invaluable. However, HWS, I believe has a reputation for roping top students in with great scholarship money and then reducing the $'s in the followng years. Make sure it is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Great point, I had no idea that HWS was known for that. Would you consider HWS a “top” college? As I said we were very impressed with it but I guess I didn’t realize that it was that well known and what kind of reputation it had in general.</p>
<p>HWS is not a “top” school. but it does have a good IR program. We looked at it a few years ago when my DD was applying to schools. It is beautiful. She was offered a lot of financial aid, but was admitted to a top university with the same $ offer and jumped at the chance. On thing that my D was looking for was geographical diversuity of students, which the SUNY’s don’t offer. She has since graduated and has friends from all around the country,coming from all backgrounds. My suggestion would be to ask the college how they determine future awards. Also, ask on the HWS thread. My son got a talent scholarship to his college which laid out the conditions for continuing to receive the money during his time there. .</p>