<p>I'm having such a hard time deciding where to go! Does anyone have any opinions?</p>
<p>Have you visited both schools? Do you prefer a real urban environment or a more rural one? Do you have a place to live in Boston? There are limited, if any, dorms at UMass Boston - I know there has been talk about them building dorms, but I don’t think they’ve done it yet.</p>
<p>What are you studying?</p>
<p>What do you consider the pros and cons of the two schools? Is there a significant difference in costs between the two schools for you?</p>
<p>I live near Umass Boston so I could commute there. I’ve visited the campus and it’s pretty okay. I’d definately prefer to dorm but Amherst is more expensive. I’d have to pay 8k more to go, mainly due to dorming. I’m undecided at both colleges so that’s not even a main concern for me. I got into the honors program at Amherst but my parents really, really, really want me to go to UMB to save us money :[</p>
<p>Can you call UMass Amherst admissions or financial aid office and see what can be done to close the 8K gap? Since you’re in the honors program, they probably really want you. What about a part-time job and a loan to make up 8k? How about asking your guidance counselor for some ideas?</p>
<p>UMass Amherst is a university with the full scope of university life. UMass Boston is a group of buildings to which people drive in to take classes. They aren’t the same thing at all, and the $8,000 cost difference reflects the greater scope of experience at Amherst. I think it’s a difference that’s well worth the cost.</p>
<p>Is it the Commonwealth College that you were invited into at UMASS Amherst – that’s their honors college and has an excellent reputation. Time for some creative thinking for you and your parents. Could you dorm the first year and then apply to be a resident assistant after that – do they let u live for free if RA or pay a stipend? Have you factored in the commuting expenses that you would have at UMB that you wouldn’t be spending at Amherst? Part time job as suggested above is a good idea – tutoring, writing center, stockroom clerk in a lab, dining services?
Calling the fin aid office is also a good idea. Good luck!!</p>