<p>^^^I agree with that. Also, there is the trend of sorts for students who go to school far away to end up moving back to be near their parents after graduation.</p>
<p>bamafana, I’m from the Seattle area.</p>
<p>Bamafana: I totally understand the “taking it for granted” mindset. Here the school that is taken for granted is Vanderbilt since it’s so close, a lot of parents work there (including me) and there’s a lot of events held there that the kids go to. Decisions were sent Friday and since no one we know (including my D) got the big package yesterday, I think that all we know will be getting small letters tomorrow.</p>
<p>KandKsmom, thanks for your post. My son will likely major in Political Science or History and plans to go to Law School. I have many friends with children at UVA. They told me that the COA this year for in state was $22,000. That’s not terribly higher than Bama’s OOS. I think if we could get a department scholarship, the deal would be sealed. I’m with you though, if it will make him happy to go to Bama, that’s where I want him to go. EVEN if UVA has the better reputation.</p>
<p>We watched the movie “The Blind Side” this weekend. After the movie, he said “that’s why I want to go to school in the south” . He loves the deep south attitude. I was born in Birmingham and have lots of family in Alabama, so I’m happy if UA is it! </p>
<p>The honors college is the main pull. He was nominated for the Jefferson Scholar by his high school. That is similiar to UFE at Bama. He didn’t get the scholarship and we haven’t heard from UVA on any other scholarships. The school is SOOOO competitive, I doubt my son will get anything. So, he’d likely be in lots of classes with 100’s of students. That’s not terrible, but he’s looking forward to the small honors classes at Bama.</p>
<p>The 22K was what I was wondering about. WM is about the same. I was kind of shocked when I was told that last year. (VT is about 16K). I still gulp when I think that these are in state prices.</p>
<p>I guess I am biased by being a southerner, but I “totally get” what he is saying about the draw to Alabama. There is something that warms the soul about the people down south. I have a tshirt that I bought while we were in SC (looking at USC). It has the palmetto state emblem on the front and on the back says, “If I had to explain, you wouldn’t understand”. The South is a state of mind for many.</p>
<p>While UVA is for some, it isn’t for all, no matter what its academic excellence. I am not saying anything negative about it; your guy should be very proud to be admitted, but for some kids (my oldest included), there are other choices out there that are better fits for them as PEOPLE and not just as students. </p>
<p>Keep us posted. It is interesting, my youngest went to her first college fair and talked to the presenters from UA. She came home just raving about the school. They definitely sparked her interest and she, too, (right now) is really interested in history, poly sci and maybe law school! Who knows what the future holds…</p>
<p>Whatever the outcome, I sure your guy will do great I am sure! Good luck to you both.</p>