Hello Everyone,
I REALLY need your advice. I got admitted into Lafayette College but I didn't get enough financial aid. Lafayette claims to meet the full demonstrated aid of all admitted students but they failed to offer me sufficient financial aid. They offered me $60,500 International Student Grant that comprises of a $4500 loan. I have to pay approximately $7000 per annum (including health insurance and unbilled costs) if I accept the loan. After 6 months of my graduation, I have to start repaying my loan with a 5% interest rate. I contacted Lafayette College about my financial situation and they encouraged me to send an appeal. Unfortunately, they only increased my aid by $2000 making it a total of $60,500 including the $4500 loan (same as mentioned above).
On the other hand, I got accepted to Clark University, where I have to pay approximately $4000 per annum (including health insurance and unbilled costs). I got a full tuition and board merit scholarship. I belong to a low socioeconomic background and my parents can barely even manage these expenses worth $4000 but at least it is possible for them to meet ends by earning and spending smartly. I got admitted as a Presidential Scholar and I get a couple of privileges such as a stipend to do a project, tickets to special events, personal counselling from the dean and internships.
I do want to attend Lafayette College more than Clark University. I haven't visited both campuses, but Lafayette certainly has a bigger one with better facilities. It is also closer to NYC (favorite city in the world) and offers more majors. Lafayette is a more competitive college, so the students will also be smarter and competitive. I generally get a better vibe from Lafayette (correct me If I am wrong) than Clark. Though I do believe being a scholar outweighs being a normal student. Being a Presidential Scholar at Clark is a unique distinction and achievement, but in general students are not that smart. I feel that a lot of students got admitted because they could afford to pay full tuition even though they weren’t smart enough. With less than a week till May 1st I cannot decide which college to attend.
I have an interest in Biomedical Engineering. Though neither offer that Lafayette offers Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Clark offers Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am also SUPER interested in International Relations and a possible career in the UN (which I have been told is nearly impossible :( ) Clark has Political Science and Lafayette has International Affairs. What major should I go for and where can I have a stable career (enough to support my family)? Can I be successful in the field of IR or is studying a science major better?
On the whole, Lafayette interests me more, but is economically far fetched. Should I contact Lafayette once again after my not-so-successful appeal? If yes, how should I contact them and what should I say? Has anyone received more aid after an unsuccessful appeal? Also, do schools that claim they meet full demonstrated aid actually do so? Is taking a loan a bad idea and how can I reduce the remaining $7000 cost? Does the scholar status make a difference? In Conclusion: what college should I choose?
I will be EXTREMELY thankful if anyone could offer me advice for any of the above statements. I’d also really appreciate if you’re a current student/alumni of these colleges and would like to share any advice or negate/support my perception about college.
Thank you. Please help me out if you can. Bless you! x
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