<p>How do I put this nicely...</p>
<p>I have been arguing with my parents about this for weeks, if not months.</p>
<p>USC is my dream school; however, my parents really want me to go to UCI because it is closer to home (I would be commuting) and less expensive.</p>
<p>USC:
-Presidential Scholarship. NMF, selected for interview, went in hopes of bumping up, received Presidential.
-did not apply for need-based aid because on paper, my family can afford USC. Parents refuse to fill out papers because they don't want their financial information sent out 'everywhere'.
-Attended March Explorer and...fell in love. Brilliant and human professors, extraordinary study abroad opportunities, a well-rounded and diverse student body, beautiful campus. The flexible curriculum (Health and Humanity, with plans to minor in Natural Sciences/Global Health/Spanish). Pre-Health.
-With the Presidential, there will be a $37,000 price tag.</p>
<p>UCI:
-closer to home (20 minute drive), which means commuting (which I really really REALLY want to avoid)
-My Honors Welcome experience was 'meh' at best: our tour guide got lost, they started the program late and didn't provide enough chairs.
-campus was meh. Tour on was a Saturday so I couldn't get the full experience. Not too fond of the park.
-$16,000-23,000 price tag.
-Psychology and Social Behavior major. Pre-med.</p>
<p>UCLA
-used to be a dream school until I went to USC Explorer
-Biology and Society major, planning to switch to Psychobiology; pre-med.
-would have to dorm
-$32,000 price tag.
-no major opinions because I haven't yet attended Bruin Day, and my parents are refusing to let me attend.</p>
<p>Would anyone mind giving their opinion? I have applied to several local scholarships but haven't heard back yet. I have other options including a full ride to UHouston if it means getting out of UCI, but I would like other thoughts. I also tried contacting USC financial aid and admissions, and their advice is to consider outside scholarships or private loans (a choice I really try to avoid until medical school). My parents have expressed that they will not pay more than what would cost me to attend UCI.</p>