Whose student applied to only one school? Help??

[Hunter's Moon]

While I could sit for the GED to apply to the public universities in my state, I would really prefer not to.

 

I applied to one private university in the next town over that is perfect in so many ways. I went on a tour, I've spoken extensively with the admissions counselor, I've met with students who've attended and their statistics (students who return their second year, graduating students, etc.) is excellent. Once my PS and CC transcript is sent in August/September, they will tell me within two weeks of their admissions decisions but this would be considered a "safety" school for me.

 

Their academic scholarships are not much. Their highest is $14,000 renewable for 4 years, so $56,000 in all, and my admissions counselor at the school told me there'd be no reason I wouldn't get that scholarship because of my SAT scores.

 

The average financial aid given at the school is $24,000 and their academic fees are $25,515, their room & board is $10,440, so total is $35,955. I've always received free lunches at school and receive free healthcare through the state. EFC calculators say our contribution is 0 for FM & IM.

 

Since I'll be finding out so early in the year whether I was accepted but not finding out about financial aid until March, would you have your student apply to another college? The only other college is not in a good area and their safety is really low.

 

I worry that if I don't apply to another school and the financial aid they offer isn't enough, I'd have no where to go. I've seen some posts where parents mentioned their students only applying to one school and wondered if financial aid was a worry at all.

 

I also spoke with her about loans as part of the financial aid package and she said the highest most students get in loans yearly is $6,000, but not everyone gets that much. I think I'd be okay with $24,000 in debt compared to other schools in this area. The public universities aren't known for their financial aid and neither is the other private school.

 

Thanks.

[LuvingLife]

I would really consider applying to another college even though the area is not safe and the college doesn't meet all of your expectations. I know how you must be feeling, it's getting close to that time where every decision you make is critical and messing up is out of the question. But applying to one more school isn't going to hurt you and it might be helpful because if you decide not to attend your top pick, then you will have something to fall back on to. I am going to be applying to quite a few colleges myself once I take the ACT in the spring, but I won't be overloading myself with colleges.

 

Do you know exactly what you want to major in? I find that not knowing makes applying to colleges even harder because not every college offers the same fields. I am have narrowed it down so far, and almost every college offers the fields that I want, do both colleges offer the field you want? And don't forget that most colleges actually have a lot fo hidden scholarships, so even though you are majoring in a particular field, you might find that participating in that field will give you the extra coverage that you need to complete you degree.

 

I am probably not going to be majoring in music but by participating in their orchestra I get extra scholarship money. Some things to really look into before you make your college decision. And even though the other school isn't in a safe area, doesn't mean you should cross it off the list. I know some people who go to college in a not so safe area but are getting a great education. They really take advantage of the campus police and they escort them everywhere.

 

I hope some of this helps.:)

[Hunter's Moon]

I would really consider applying to another college even though the area is not safe and the college doesn't meet all of your expectations. I know how you must be feeling, it's getting close to that time where every decision you make is critical and messing up is out of the question. But applying to one more school isn't going to hurt you and it might be helpful because if you decide not to attend your top pick, then you will have something to fall back on to. I am going to be applying to quite a few colleges myself once I take the ACT in the spring, but I won't be overloading myself with colleges.

 

Do you know exactly what you want to major in? I find that not knowing makes applying to colleges even harder because not every college offers the same fields. I am have narrowed it down so far, and almost every college offers the fields that I want, do both colleges offer the field you want? And don't forget that most colleges actually have a lot fo hidden scholarships, so even though you are majoring in a particular field, you might find that participating in that field will give you the extra coverage that you need to complete you degree.

 

I am probably not going to be majoring in music but by participating in their orchestra I get extra scholarship money. Some things to really look into before you make your college decision. And even though the other school isn't in a safe area, doesn't mean you should cross it off the list. I know some people who go to college in a not so safe area but are getting a great education. They really take advantage of the campus police and they escort them everywhere.

 

I hope some of this helps.:)

 

I applied undecided but have a feeling I will declare my major as Biology w/ Pre-med by the middle/end of my Freshman year. The reason being, I wanted to attend the state university for Microbiology or Evolutionary Biology (something Biology-related) and by majoring in Biology w/ Pre-med, I can go to the state school for graduate studies.

 

The other school does not offer Biology. They offer Chemistry but I am not a fan of Chemistry. I am only taking Advanced Chemistry this year because Biology comes easy to me and Chemistry doesn't so I want to prepare myself as much as possible for college-level Chemistry courses needed for the Biology major.

 

The other school I spoke of is pretty much everything I don't want in a college. They are in a very unsafe part of town, they are $5000 more expensive and not known for their generous financial help, their acceptance expectations are very low so many students there aren't serious (I know a few people who attend and they say while the teachers are good, the students act like they're in high school and disrupt classes, etc.), they aren't a dry campus (they allow drinking over the age of 21 and if found with alcohol under 21 they generally don't do much but give a warning).

[LuvingLife]

I applied undecided but have a feeling I will declare my major as Biology w/ Pre-med by the middle/end of my Freshman year. The reason being, I wanted to attend the state university for Microbiology or Evolutionary Biology (something Biology-related) and by majoring in Biology w/ Pre-med, I can go to the state school for graduate studies.

 

The other school does not offer Biology. They offer Chemistry but I am not a fan of Chemistry. I am only taking Advanced Chemistry this year because Biology comes easy to me and Chemistry doesn't so I want to prepare myself as much as possible for college-level Chemistry courses needed for the Biology major.

 

The other school I spoke of is pretty much everything I don't want in a college. They are in a very unsafe part of town, they are $5000 more expensive and not known for their generous financial help, their acceptance expectations are very low so many students there aren't serious (I know a few people who attend and they say while the teachers are good, the students act like they're in high school and disrupt classes, etc.), they aren't a dry campus (they allow drinking over the age of 21 and if found with alcohol under 21 they generally don't do much but give a warning).

 

I see your point!!

 

Ok so I would stick with the state university, that other school should be corssed off the list, seriously bad idea. I didn't know the extent of it until you explained it more, sorry about that. But don't forget about the scholarships! I know that you are doing piano, do you like it? I am finding that there are a lot of different scholarships, all I had to do was look for them. Just trying to throw some ideas out there for you to look into!

 

And I think you are a really great daughter to be staying near home and helping out your mom, you are making a lot of sacrifices and I know how tough it is but it will be worth it in the end.

 

Sorry I can't be of more help!

[Brenda in MA]

Stephanie,

 

I would absolutely apply to more than one college since you won't know the full financial aid package until next March.

 

You really can't judge anything by what the college says their "average" need-based aid package is because you don't know who the "average" student is and how you compare. With cost increases between now & next fall, you are probably looking at a total cost of this school of about $40,000/yr. If you get a $14,000/yr scholarship, $6000/yr in loans, some workstudy & some other aid, you still might have to come up with more than you can afford. Another statistic to look at is what percent of need they meet.

 

Very few schools meet 100% of demonstrated need. If your choice only meets 70% or 80% of need, you might be asked for $8,000 to $12,000 per year after you've taken out the $6K in loans.

 

Please apply to the state school you've been working with, and also please, please consider a couple of the pricier private schools that meet 100% need that I mentioned to you before. Your chances of being admitted might not be as high, but if you do get in, they will likely give you a very good FA package.

 

I know that it feels more comfortable to have the school picked now and plan on that, but given the huge financial question, believe me, you will want options come next spring. A few more applications will only cost you a little time (especially if you can get fee waivers), and the upside could be huge.

 

Here is a list of some 100% need met schools from College Confidential.

 

Adrian College: 100% (Adrian, MI)

Amherst College: 100% (Amherst, MA)

Barnard College: 100% (New York, NY)

Bates College: 100% (Lewiston, ME)

Beloit College: 100% (Beloit, WI)

Boston College: 100% (Chestnut Hill, MA)

Bowdoin College: 100% (Brunswick, ME)

Brown University: 100% (Providence, RI)

Bryn Mawr College: 100% (Bryn Mawr, PA)

Bucknell University: 100% (Lewisburg, PA)

California Institute of Technology: 100% (Pasadena, CA)

Campbell University: 100% (Buies Creek, NC)

Carleton College: 100% (Northfield, MN)

Chapman University: 100% (Orange, CA)

Claremont McKenna College: 100% (Claremont, CA)

Colby College: 100% (Waterville, ME)

Colgate University: 100% (Hamilton, NY)

College of the Holy Cross: 100% (Worcester, MA)

Columbia University: 100% (New York, NY)

Connecticut College: 100% (New London, CT)

Cornell University: 100% (Ithaca, NY)

Dartmouth College: 100% (Hanover, NH)

Davidson College: 100% (Davidson, NC)

Duke University: 100% (Durham, NC)

Emory University: 100% (Atlanta, GA)

Georgetown University: 100% (Washington, DC)

Gettysburg College: 100% (Gettysburg, PA)

Grinnell College: 100% (Grinnell, IA)

Hamilton College: 100% (Clinton, NY)

Harvard University: 100% (Cambridge, MA)

Harvey Mudd College: 100% (Claremont, CA)

Haverford College: 100% (Haverford, PA)

Johns Hopkins University: 100% (Baltimore, MD)

Lafayette College: 100% (Easton, PA)

Lake Forest College: 100% (Lake Forest, IL)

Macalester College: 100% (St. Paul, MN)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 100% (Cambridge, MA)

Middlebury College: 100% (Middlebury, VT)

Mount Holyoke College: 100% (South Hadley, MA)

Northwestern University: 100% (Evanston, IL)

Oberlin College: 100% (Oberlin, OH)

Occidental College: 100% (Los Angeles, CA)

Pitzer College: 100% (Claremont, CA)

Pomona College: 100% (Claremont, CA)

Princeton University: 100% (Princeton, NJ)

Reed College: 100% (Portland, OR)

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: 100% (Syracuse, NY)

Salem College: 100% (Winston-Salem, NC)

Scripps College: 100% (Claremont, CA)

Smith College: 100% (Northampton, MA)

Southern Arkansas University: 100% (Magnolia, AR)

St. Olaf College: 100% (Northfield, MN)

Stanford University: 100% (Stanford, CA)

Swarthmore College: 100% (Swarthmore, PA)

Thomas Aquinas College: 100% (Santa Paula, CA)

Trinity College: 100% (Hartford, CT)

Tufts University: 100% (Medford, MA)

University of Chicago: 100% (Chicago, IL)

University of North Carolina -- Chapel Hill: 100% (Chapel Hill, NC)

University of Northern Colorado: 100% (Greeley, CO)

University of Pennsylvania: 100% (Philadelphia, PA)

University of Richmond: 100% (University of Richmond, VA)

University of Virginia: 100% (Charlottesville, VA)

Vassar College: 100% (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Wabash College: 100% (Crawfordsville, IN)

Washington University in St. Louis: 100% (St. Louis, MO)

Wellesley College: 100% (Wellesley, MA)

Wesleyan University: 100% (Middletown, CT)

Williams College: 100% (Williamstown, MA)

Yale University: 100% (New Haven, CT)

 

Here is another quote from the same thread showing someone's experience with financial aid. I'm not saying you should apply to 8 schools, but definitely more than 1.

 

Quote:

Accepted to 8 liberal arts schools all which appear on the list and our financial aid packages vary by more than $20,000. Remember, it is the schools which get to determine your ability to pay. Not you or even common sense.

So while many claim to meet full need, they often don't satisfy everyone.

 

Best wishes,

Brenda

[Tamarind]

Consider Berea College (Kentucky) and College of the Ozarks (Missouri). Both are committed to helping students with Low EFCs.

[Halftime Hope]

Steph,

 

Brenda said it all very well, but I would add to her reply that we were surprised to find out that, as we took the journey of college searches, what we thought were our "certain fit" schools moved to "less certain" or dropped off the list altogether. In fact, of dd's top three choices at the end, only one had been there at the beginning. The one that I would have pegged as being her "LAC safety" had dropped off the list mid-fall! :svengo:

 

To sum up, because we opened many "doors" for her to look into, she had three really great choices at the end.

 

Here's my take for you: you are an interesting, different, compelling candidate for schools. When they get a peek at who you are, your drive, your compassion, your ability to excel in spite of adversity, and to a lesser degree, the interests that make you unique, they are going to want to see more of you. (Most schools rely on the candidate's interests, plus the grades/GPA/scores. You have this whole additional layer of Good Stuff that most kids don't haven't developed or don't get a chance to showcase.)

 

Steph, make the effort to open at least a few more doors. See where they lead.

 

Meanwhile, keep in close touch with your safety school, and jump through their hoops as though they were the only school you cared about.

If you feel awkward about looking at various ones, and you will when you are talking to admissions folks and they ask, just be upfront and tell them. (For example, "I really like Academic Ace College, and I can envision myself as a [Insert Mascot Name here], but I am still considering several other options, and I'm not going to be able to make a final decision until those opportunities run their course.")

 

Dd was able to finally do this well when she understood that it wasn't a matter of being dishonest or two-timing the school; you've told the truth and the admissions people know exactly how the game is played, so it's not as though you are doing anything they don't understand. Every time you look at another school, put on your imaginary "hat" and pretend that they are the only school for you. Imagine yourself there on campus. Immerse yourself fully in the role of "winning" a student spot there.

 

At some point, you will begin to close doors, and when you do, you'll call the admissions folks, or write a TU if they have been particularly helpful, graciously thank them for their time and wish them well in completing their Class of 2016.

 

If it comes down to the wire on choices, come back here, and we'll all throw a party for you, and then cheer for you as you decide. ;)

[choirfarm]

Steph,

 

Am I remembering correctly that your mom has health/memory issues and so you need to be at a school close to home so you can help take care of her?? If so, that may limit your choices. Then prayer comes in to play that God will smooth the road for you to get into the college of choice.

 

Christine

[Hunter's Moon]

Thank you, everyone!

 

Yes, that is correct choirfarm, I do have to stay close to home.

 

I do appreciate the list though and have looked into the colleges on the list in Mass. & Conn. & found a few that are very homeschooler friendly :001_smile:

 

I'll also be applying to a local community college (not the one I attend for classes now) because they have easy transfer options to colleges in the state. So, if I end up needing more loans than I'd like and the CC would be cheaper, then I'll have that as an option, as well.

[choirfarm]

Thank you, everyone!

 

Yes, that is correct choirfarm, I do have to stay close to home.

 

.

 

That is what I thought. You are such a good daughter. Caregiving is never easy and takes such sacrifice. ( I know from personal experience taking care of my dad and raising my 3 children. He lived with us for 9 months when my daughter was 4 and the boys were 8 and 10. I then spent the next 4 years taking care of him while he lived in a small house. He couldn't drive and I had to take him everywhere: Walmart, the many doctor appt, physical therapy, etc.) You are in my prayers!! The journey will be difficult but God taught me so much during that time.

 

Christine

[Brenda in MA]

Here's my take for you: you are an interesting, different, compelling candidate for schools. When they get a peek at who you are, your drive, your compassion, your ability to excel in spite of adversity, and to a lesser degree, the interests that make you unique, they are going to want to see more of you. (Most schools rely on the candidate's interests, plus the grades/GPA/scores. You have this whole additional layer of Good Stuff that most kids don't haven't developed or don't get a chance to showcase.)

 

Steph, make the effort to open at least a few more doors. See where they lead.

 

 

Valerie,

 

I couldn't have said this better. I think that Stephanie will make an interesting candidate for a lot of schools. Her drive and motivation to improve herself despite some obstacles is impressive. That's why I think she just might have a chance at being accepted at some of the more selective schools in her area, the ones that give very good FA.

 

I hope that she's not shying away from some of these schools because she's worried about how she'd do there academically. These schools are very concerned about their retention rate following freshman year, so they generally work really hard to make sure their students have any help they need with courses, etc. Generally, if they admit a student, and that student makes the effort to succeed, she will succeed.

 

I wouldn't necessarily advocate for taking the absolute best FA offer because "fit" is important, too. But -- I've seen in our case, where my son applied to 8 schools, that ultimately, only 4 of these were affordable for us when the FA offers came in. At one particular school, I was pretty sure he'd get a scholarship, he didn't. At another, I thought any scholarship was a stretch, and it turned out this place was very generous. So, I agree that opening multiple doors is a good idea.

 

Brenda

[Starr]

I would take the GED if that's what is required. You have some great State Colleges to consider. It's only a day out of your life. :)

[Hunter's Moon]

I would take the GED if that's what is required. You have some great State Colleges to consider. It's only a day out of your life. :)

 

It's a 10-hour test that takes two days, 5 hours each and $65. It is also a matter of having to prove myself. I've taken the MCAS which most (all?) homeschoolers don't take unless in a situation like mine where they begin homeschooling after 10th grade. I got high enough grades to qualify for a scholarship so that obviously shows I have a 10th grade ability.

 

I know, I know, it's a matter of pride. But also money when I've already asked my parents to pay so much for my education that I could pretty much get free in public school. I assured them completely that I'd have no trouble with being admitted to colleges and that my letter from the school dept. would be equivalent to that of a high school diploma (which I was assured by many people, including the homeschooling director downtown). Now to be told by colleges that the letter isn't enough and a 10 hour, $65 GED is required is stressing me out and leaving me double guessing whether I made the right decision. I wasn't struggling in school. I had some health issues, but not enough to derail my studies. I was just sick of the poor educational quality and the way I was treated by other students. I could have stuck it out those last two years and guaranteed no issues with colleges.

 

Sorry for the vent. This is just a stressful time. My parents are not active in my educational choices other than supplying the money, and even then I have to nag and nag them to budget so we can afford it, which stresses me more because that isn't my place. Daily I question my sanity in this decision and contemplate returning to PS. I can't now, due to further health issues unrelated to the previous. I know it is just stress causing me to doubt and be overwhelmed. I just want this phase to pass as quickly as possible. I want it to be April already so all major decisions were made and all possible future plans are laid out in front of me to clearly analyze.

[Starr]

You are doing a great job! Skip the pride. ;) Are there public institutions that would pay for the test? I would ask at a cc and maybe go see the highschool counselor. I think you might get a test price based on income ? I'm just exploring ideas. In New York they often tell students they have to take the test but really they can go to college and get the GED by earning 24 college credits.

[J-rap]

I don't know you, but I just want to say that you seem like such an amazing young woman to me, and I think you'll do great wherever you go! This stressful time will pass, and you will be be able to move on to the next chapter. God is with you, and will provide you with the strength you need, and the wisdom to make decisions along the way.