I’m a senior from Dallas, Texas and I got into USC for next fall. I was chosen to interview for the Trustee scholarship but only received the Presidential (half tuition) scholarship–lowkey pretty bummed but what can you do. With the Presidential, my total cost per year would come out to about $44,000 after fees, housing, meal plans, etc. in addition to the fact that I’d have to pay to fly out there and all of that. I could also go to decent state universities for only around $7,000 a year (clearly, a big difference). The thing is, I wouldn’t have to take out loans or anything to go to USC–my family has enough money saved up to be able to afford the 4 years, but it would drain my college fund which means if I wanted to pay for something like medical school or whatever else after college I would be on my own for that. That’s a big maybe though, seeing as I really have no idea what direction I want to go in right now.
Not sure how much this matters when its thousands of dollars at stake, but I also really loved USC. As in really, really loved it and as much as I tried not to, I got my heart set on going (which is why not getting the Trustee really hurt). The atmosphere, the opportunities they provide, just the general vibe of the school made me fall in love with it in a way that I wish I could undo.
Basically: I can afford it and really want to go, but then I wouldn’t have money left for any further education if I wanted it and it is clearly way more expensive than my other option.
SOS what should I do
If you want to go to medical school, that pushes the comparison more in favor of lower cost in state. In addition to saving money for medical school, it will be easier to interview at Texas medical schools if you are in Texas for undergraduate (Texas medical schools are relatively lower cost among medical schools).
@StresssNJ, S was in a similar boat. Loves USC, interviewed for Presidential, hoping to get bumped to Trustee. Didn’t happen although the interview went very well. S decided it wasn’t worth the extra $40k a year even though we would have supported him going to USC. Having more than $160,000 and interest for medical school or other endeavors is a compelling argument. No doubt it would be disappointing to not go the school you really love. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you would love it once you got there. On the other hand, it might be a fabulous four years.
You might remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. You could get what you want short term and spend it all at USC (fast and in four years) at a risk of giving up the slow methodical and pragmatic path to achieve your future long term goals. Sounds a little like mortgaging your future.
Alternatively, maybe you can have your cake and eat it too. If you do super well at USC and get offered scholarships to medical school, you might be able to have everything now and later. S is still waitlisted at his top choice but may very well decide on the instate option. There is no right answer. It is a tough decision to make, any way you slice it! On a side note, the Longhorns are probably going to be out for revenge and beat USC at home in September anyway. I plan to be at that game. Hook em Horns!
How certain are you about medical school? Because 75% freshmen never even apply to med school.
Have you shadowed doctors, volunteered in hospitals, retirement homes, soup kitchens? Do you have an EMT or CNA certification? Have you take AP chem, AP Bio, AP calc?
Can you imagine doing something else?
For PhDs, any PhD worth attending will be funded (meaning you won’t pay for it).
Law schools sometimes offer merit scholarships. MBA’s should be done after 2-5years of work and may be paid by an employer; otherwise it should only be done if it will lead to a financial improvement.
In other words, your choice shouldn’t assume grad school and being full pay for it.
If you don’t go to USC and don’t go to med school, would out have regrets?