If you want to go somewhere warm, Alabama has a sunny climate. Too bad you didn’t get a 32(free OOS tuition, but Dec senior yr is last test to count.) But even the 31 would get you 2/3 tuition and the total bill would be around $20K/yr. Correct me if I’m wrong here mom2. You could take a gap year and see the world to get some of the wanderlust out of your system and attend a good school in a warm climate after that. (Or do they require application to be made during senior year of HS?) They have a high number of OOS students, many attending for the scholarships, so you would meet lots of people from all over. I think it’s too late to apply for the scholarship for this year anymore, Dec 15th was deadline(??)
At Iowa 75th%ile is 28 and 18% have 30+.
At U of Alabama 75th%ile is 31 and 31% have 30+.
I have always lived in snowy cold climates and liked it, but during our 6 years in Ames I REALLY felt the cold. It’s so windy on the open plains, cuts right through you. And those crazy icestorms, turning the town into an ice rink so you can’t even get down the driveway to pick up the morning paper.
I remember when I lived there I thought I was in the middle of nowhere, having always lived in cities, though a very pleasant middle of nowhere, have to say. I always remember the day I met a little girl on the playground who was in town for some kind of fair with her Dad, first time in her life. Lived out on a pig farm and only got to come into any kind of town a couple of times a year. She thought she was in thrilling big city heaven, just waxing ecstatic over Ames. It’s all perspective, I suppose.
If you have such a yen to go other places that it’s certain to prevent you from appreciating your college experience in Iowa. I recommend a maturing gap year. Travel. Experience other places. You may be more ready to settle down and figure out how to get the most out of all that Iowa has to offer after that. A gap year doesn’t have to be expensive. My S is so jealous of one of his HS buddies who is taking a gap year in Australia. He started by travelling around to visit a couple of family contacts, but quickly found a lucrative waiter job at a seaside resort where he gets a posh free room overlooking the water, is having the time of his ife. Another friend is doing humanitarian work in Malaysia for her gap year. Good luck. Wherever you go, you can have a good college experience if you are receptive and look for opportunities. Keep an open mind.
My S has lots of friends whose parents I assumed were well off but to my surprise are making kids foot the complete bill for college with loans and scholarships and jobs. Other friends have all paid for by parents. Luck of the draw. You should thank your parents for the $100,000. That will make your life after college much easier. It isn’t enough to pay for what you desire, but nonetheless it is a big chunk of money for most people.
Good luck.