Waiting for Northwestern's aid offer Forum

[The Agitator]

New development. Just got a $75k scholarship. I was almost signed, sealed and delivered to UVA for $54k, but now I have to stop and really think this out....D*mn! Thoughts anyone?

I got the 75K from NU and turned it down for 36K at UVA. I was doing the COL and Tuition calculations over three years, and in the end that extra 39K from Northwestern turned out to be only worth about 14K more in real money when the adjustments were made. For me, I was willing to spend 14K more for UVA, because I thought it was a better fit. And I hate the cold.

So, I think you are basically looking at the same debt load coming out of UVA over NU, which is what you really want to think about.

[Betsy1]

70k/year in loans? OK, I know I'm far from their best applicant, but c'mon - I should get some need-based.

[brillig]

The wait has been horrible, but I got mine yesterday too...[edited for excessive whining]...I had given up on the waiting on Tuesday, and spent the day convincing myself it would be okay to go to my second choice with money...now I'm just confused.

[melbelle]

Remember though - UVA is actually about $30k cheaper over three years, so it will save you about $10k. I would not make a choice on the basis of saving or losing $10k. On the other hand, you couldn't pay me to live in Charlottesville. Go to whichever place you fit best.

Thanks! You're right, UVA is still cheaper. But, not cheap enough to be a deal breaker.

As for fit, I really don't know. I didn't go to any of the Northwestern Admitted Students sessions. I had already made plans to go to the Michigan ASW and frankly refused to consider any school where I had to pay full sticker. So, I'm going to peak my head in at Northwestern next week and see if I can speak to some folks. Will anyone be able to talk? Isn't it reading week?

[Merrill]

Is it reading week already? I thought there was one more week of classes.

[ALilMusicFactry]

Nope - Monday was the last day of classes. Exams start this coming Monday. You might be able to catch people after the first exam is over around noon (we usually go for brunch and/or drinks). PM me if you will be around and I'd be happy to let you know about any get-togethers.

[ALilMusicFactry]

I had given up on the waiting on Tuesday, and spent the day convincing myself it would be okay to go to my second choice with money. When I got my NU offer Wednesday, it was whelming. Now I'm just confused.

What are your other options?

[melbelle]

Ok. I'm headed off to NU at 1pm today to talk to some folks in career services and the admissions office. Hopefully I'll run into some students.

[aguyingeorgia]

Good luck.

[frankjones]

Good luck.

Anyone have any idea how Northwestern's financial aid packages typically compare to Duke's?