<p>I made a post somewhat similar to this one a few weeks ago, but I have narrowed down the origninal 4 schools down to these 2: Penn State (Univ. Park) and the University of Richmond. I plan on majoring in either communications or business, and I am from suburban Pittsburgh. I have visited both schools. </p>
<p>While I feel that Richmond would be a better fit (smaller, more personal) and has a stunningly beautiful campus, the price for a full year is $50,000, and I feel that the only chance I would have of getting accepted is if I apply ED (GPA is about 3.9 weighted, 1880 on SAT, 1230 on 1600 scale). Money isn't a huge problem for my family, but I would feel bad for making my parents pay that much for college. That said, do you guys think I would have any chance at recieving some form of aid/scholarship if I apply ED? Richmond is known for being decently generous for finanical aid, but I feel that my GPA/SAT isn't high enough for any financial award. </p>
<p>Penn State, on the other hand, would be an in-state price for me, and on my visit I really liked it there as well (but not quite as much as Richmond). While I will undoubtedly have a lot of fun at Penn State, I am much more likely to get distracted from my schoolwork, and I feel that I would focus a lot more at Richmond and get a better education. </p>
<p>What would you guys do in my scenario? Risk applying early to Richmond and have to pay $50,000 a year but have a better chance at scholarship, or apply regular to both and risk not getting into Richmond at all?</p>
<p>Going to a good college where you feel comfortable is really important. Yes, it can be very expensive but if you think that school is right for you then you could always get a part time job to help out or promise to repay them?</p>
<p>Sit down with your parents and talk with them about the money. Some parents do indeed have boatloads of money stashed away for their children’s educations and are happy to pay full-freight. Other parents can pay full freight, but it will be a big stretch. You need to know where your family falls. </p>
<p>You also need to do some research on UR’s merit and need-based aid. What is indicated about this on the website? It is OK for you to call the financial aid office and chat with them about this too.</p>
<p>Please, do your best to not fall in love with any one college or university. It is OK to have a clear favorite, but don’t invest all of your emotions in one institution. There is no point in applying ED to a “dream school”, getting in, and then finding out later that it simply won’t work financially for your family. That would break your heart for sure.</p>
<p>My daughter had a 33 ACT, 2200 SAT, and a 4.3 weighted GPA. She was accepted to UR regular decision and had received a likely letter. She received no merit aid and no financial aid. If you believe your family can afford to send you to UR, then you probably do not qualify for financial aid. You have to weigh how much a UR education is worth to you. It was not worth $50,000+ for my daughter but each person is different. Perhaps you can do overnights at both schools to see if you change your mind about Penn State.</p>
<p>Thanks for the excellent responses guys! My family is able to afford the UR tuition, but I still feel bad about asking them to cough up $200,000 for my college education. Fortunately I have all summer to plan things out, so hopefully at the end of the day I will make the right decision. Any more feedback from others would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>Btw the two, I would focus on PSU. Do your stats qualify you to apply to Shreyers (spelling) honors college? Might be a great way to make your college experience there more academically focused, live in a hc housing which would give you a smaller school feel?</p>
<p>*I apply ED (GPA is about 3.9 weighted, 1880 on SAT, 1230 on 1600 scale). Money isn’t a huge problem for my family, but I would feel bad for making my parents pay that much for college. That said, do you guys think I would have any chance at recieving some form of aid/scholarship if I apply ED? *</p>
<p>I doubt you would get either kind of aid…merit or need-based. it sounds like your family earns too much for need based aid, and your stats aren’t high enough for merit. Your scores are average for the school.</p>
<p>If you’re concerned about having your parents pay that much, then find a school similar to Richmond that might give you merit. Maybe someone here can recommend some.</p>
<p>Schreyers stats now rival U of Penn, Dartmoth, etc. Technically, SAT scores are not considered, but in practice I believe the scores do come into play. The avg. GPA at Schreyer is 3.97. The application essay (separate from the Penn State app) is said to be heavily weighted.</p>
<p>Agree to spend some time focusing on the Xiggi prep method. It is a very logical study plan and cost effective method. </p>
<p>If you can get the SAT up a bit then I would urge you to apply RD to Richmond and RD to Penn State. I have never heard the ED round to provide an advantage for merit.</p>
<p>I would also encourage applying to more than 2 schools. You are so torn on spending $200K that I would give yourself the luxuary of time to make the decision in spring. Focus on adding schools where your stats would provide merit (example: Susquhanna).</p>
<p>I would also encourage applying to more than 2 schools. You are so torn on spending $200K that I would give yourself the luxuary of time to make the decision in spring. Focus on adding schools where your stats would provide merit</p>
<p>Totally agree. Applying to only 2 schools when your stats could get you merit at some other schools is limiting yourself.</p>
<p>You can lessen the distractions at Penn State by applying for specialty housing. You would avoid “East” which can get a bit wild and you would be with students who have similar interests. For example, there is one that focuses on community service, one that houses international students and students interested in international studies, one for architecture students, and many more. The locations of these are usually more convenient also. If you apply to Penn State early (like as soon as app comes out), you will hear from them early, and then you can start investigating this housing and apply for it early also. Good luck!</p>
<p>From my perspective the difference between Richmond & PSU isn’t wide enough to warrent the difference in cost. In my D’s case her dream school was Cornell. her next two choices were U of Roch & SUNY Geneseo. She (and us) concluded that the difference between Cornell & Geneseo was worth the cost. However the difference between U of R & geneseo was not. She got accepted ED at Cornell, but if rejected would have gone to Geneseo.</p>
<p>Interesting, slipjig: most people have told me that I should have no problem getting into Penn state; I do plan applying as early as possible just in case.</p>