<p>After visiting WashU this weekend for the Multicultural Celebration, I have to admit that I am head over heels for WashU. :)</p>
<p>Only problem is, my parents aren't. Before my visit, my primary decision was between WashU and the University of Washington (UW). I know some of you are probably thinking - "Never heard of UW, pick WashU" - or - "Heard of UW, but WashU is the obvious choice" - but my parents are adamant in their preference for UW. Since UW is my in-state school and I'm receiving no financial aid, the total cost difference between UW and WashU is going to be approx. $30,000+. Furthermore, both of their BME programs are amazing and don't rank too far from each other. Foster vs. Olin (both schools' biz schools) aren't too different either. Or, at least, the differences in academic caliber aren't necessarily worth the 30 grand difference. </p>
<p>I've been an incognito CC'er for a while, but never made an account until now. I need your help guys! My parents aren't falling for my "WashU has smaller classes, better profs, a supportive administration, amazing campus, better dorms/food, more opportunities, more driven students" spiel. They think, and I quote, that I'm "spoiled" for wanting them to pay extra for all the benefits of WashU and want me to pay for at least half of the difference in cost (approx. $15,000). What's more, since I've got a bit of senioritis going on and am not keeping an A or even B+ in AP Chem and AP Calc BC, they think I won't survive at WashU. </p>
<p>So my questions are: What would you choose in this situation considering the price difference? Do you know of any way I can help pay for the $15,000 a year (how much do internships/co-ops or on-campus jobs typically pay?) Any more advantages to WashU than UW Honors beyond the reasons I listed above and my gut feeling? Any stories about those who chose ended up choosing their state school over their dream private school and ended up not doing so well? Any financial advantages to WashU (i.e. free stuff, better recruiting, etc.)?</p>
<p>Any insight would be greatly appreciated. :)</p>
<p>Okay, it looks like you have a pretty good handle on what you want, but at some point, you need to start looking at things from an economical standpoint. Graduating with an extra 120K of fees/debt is just not smart. Although it may pain you to say no to the better school, your department is, as you said, comparable. If I were in your position, (and I almost was) I would bite the bullet and go to UWash. You’ll be happy wherever you go…</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Why not save the debt for grad school…UW for undergrad and then WashU for masters?</p>
<p>I certainly understand the falling in love with WashU attitude.</p>
<p>However, here’s my completely honest answer:
I would not have chosen to attend WashU (or any other private/expensive school), had I been faced with graduating in debt.
Fortunately for me, my parents are willing to foot the bill.</p>
<p>What do you plan on majoring in? If it’s something that can’t pay off massive student debt (easily), you may have to make the difficult choice.</p>
<p>Best of luck with your decision.</p>
<p>All of this truthfully depends on your parent’s financial status. Do you think they may just be calling your bluff? It is tempting to go with an in-state, just because there’s such a huge difference. If indeed you have to pay the amount yourself, it’s just too much $$$ to take on. If it’s really that your parents can not afford the money, then that’s a little different. </p>
<p>It really comes down to having a heart-to-heart discussion with your parents to see what they are thinking and if it’s that they can’t or that they won’t. Listen honestly and respectfully. And you’ll have the answer.</p>
<p>@musicalscientist, SrlkHolmes, Johnson181</p>
<p>I’m planning on majoring in biomedical engineering, and then possibly getting a business minor. I also really want to do the BSMS or BSMBA program at WashU where you get your bachelors and either masters or MBA in 5 years. Considering that MBA programs at some other grad schools can get pricier than undergrad and will take more time, do you think the 5 year program at WashU, despite costing $52,000 a year, will be worth it? I won’t be paying for all of it, only about $15k a year. My parents would reluctantly cover the rest.</p>
<p>@limabeans</p>
<p>They may just be calling my bluff…it seems like something they would do. I know that they absolutely can pay the full price, counting my $15k share, after filling out FAFSA. But, of course, $52k is a big burden no matter how much your parents make.</p>
<p>You’re absolutely right. I’m also sure they are worried about your seriousness towards getting a good education when you have such senioritis now. That’s why you should talk with them about your goals, what’s important, why one school is preferred over another. They need to understand and it’s not too much to ask. </p>
<p>Don’t get into an argument though. They just want to know what your thinking is and need to understand why you’re choosing one over the other.</p>
<p>That’s a good point. I do tend to get a little heated in my arguments, but that’s also provoked by my dad’s unwillingness to listen to or consider my reasons for WashU. Like I said before, they see all my reasons as an indication of how “spoiled” I am for wanting something like a supportive, not labyrinthine, administration.</p>
<p>that’s why you need to be very serious in your tone. Show respect and listen honestly. They’ll be pleased by your mature behavior and see that you’re very serious about this next important step in your life.</p>
<p>I know I sound like a mom (I am!) but I have had lots of conversations with my own son about his choices. It’s an important one.</p>
<p>BTW, to avoid those heated discussions, where it seems you only feel heard if your voices get louder, do this. Repeat or summarize their positions or points. That way, they’ll know you “heard” them. Then, (calmly) counter with whatever point you want to make.</p>
<p>Of course, in the process, you’ll want to have ready particular points to make yourself. Be sure you’ve thoroughly researched both schools and can identify their differences. If you have any personal anecdotes, that helps too, rather than just a few facts. (not just “smaller” classes, but down to terms they can understand, like classes under 50 kids, or specifically describe their advising). </p>
<p>Know also what your parent’s primary concerns are. Is it simply the money, or is it also the distance, the fact that they worry about your seriousness about school, or something else.</p>
<p>Hope these help!</p>
<p>Thanks so much limabean!</p>
<p>In case you do choose WashU, so that you don’t feel upset later on down the road…
there is no BSMS in bme (the class of 2012 is the last class that can do this), although you can still pursue a BS/MBA. Mind you, I’m sure if you had stellar grades and you made your case they’d allow it.</p>
<p>That being said, the bme departments at both schools are great. I applied to both schools myself (I say that a lot on these boards, but I did apply to some 10-odd schools), and couldn’t even fathom going to Udub with the number of undergrads there.</p>
<p>Again, best of luck.</p>
<p>Thanks Johnson181. That’s strange that you say that though, because I was just talking to the Associate Dean of the Engineering School last week and he said that I could do a BS in BME and then get my MS in something else. Are you saying that I can’t get a BSMS, both in BME? Because that wasn’t my intention, but thanks for the heads up.</p>
<p>Looking at “rank,” UW’s BME ranks higher than WashU does, but only by a couple of places. Anyone have any arguments as to why I should choose WashU BME anyways?</p>
<p>And Johnson181, if you don’t mind me asking, what did you end up choosing? And why, if you didn’t, did you not choose WashU?</p>
<p>Oh- I’m a current BME sophomore at WashU.</p>
<p>The BSMS between different majors is run through the engineering school I guess. It’s the departments that have chosen not to continue the BSMS of a certain major.<br>
Mind you, the engineering school also let 2014’ers apply as “civil engineers” this year because you can technically create your own major… even though civil has been axed for anyone 2013 and up.</p>
<p>All the negatives aside, I absolutely love washu and the engineering school. The resources are completely helpful, the faculty and staff are great, and your peers are great.</p>
<p>Huskiesorbears: I’m in the SAME boat as you, longhorns or bears?</p>
<p>after quite a bit of deliberating, default100, I’m 70% huskies now. just cuz, for the price, it’s the waaay better deal. Idk. Austin is an amazing school though so you should def. consider it more, especially if you’re gonna do grad school, you know?</p>
<p>I just got the response to my appeal for aid (still nothing) today and it looks like I’m going to UT-Austin.</p>