Colleges + $$$

[bigruss]

Hey guys, I know that I started a thread a couple of months ago on college search help. Now that I have received some letters back I would like to shift my focus to another agenda, money and the final decision.

 

So far my colleges look like this:

 

Wisconsin Madison- $32,000

Bradley- $34,000 - $8,500 schol. = $25,500

Carthage- $32,000 - $10,000 schol. = $22,000

Illinois State- $16,000

Grand Valley State- $14,000

Southern Illinois- $16,000

Dominican University- $29,500 - $14,000 schol. = $15,500

(Plus I have been contacted by the Head Baseball Coach to set up an interview for playing there)

 

Colleges I am waiting on:

 

U of Illinois Urbana- $25,000

Michigan State U. - $16,000

 

Just to inform you, I will be able to enroll as either an Illinois or Michigan resident as my dad currently lives in Deerfield, Illinois for work while I finish school in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

 

I will not qualify for much and most likely no need based scholarships, so I really need help with school like Wisc./Bradley/ and even Illinois. I have about $20,000 a year from my parents (which I am very fortunate for) and would like to spend out of my own pockets less than $3,000 a year (I am flexible on that, just I would like to keep the loans down). If anybody knows of a good scholarship source, please let me know!!

 

Also, I will take any comments on the schools listed above, and the schol. listed are ones that I received for academic purposes. My current favs. are 1) Illinois (by far, always dreamed of going there) 2) Wisco 3) Bradley 4) Mich State 5)Carthage 6)DOminican and the rest are a blur right now

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Yay! New ACT score brings up higher scholarship for Bradley!! My new score kicks ass compared to my old one!!

Edited December 9, 2007 by bigruss22

[Texsox]

Without knowing your intended major, if you like big crowds or smaller groups, lifestyle, etc. any advice you get is probably not worth the time to read it. If you have specific questions or concerns, you could get some great information here. Your list includes some of the top Universities in the Midwest and any would be a great choice, and any could be a terrible choice, it depends on you. If that makes sense.

 

If you haven't really decided on a major, and most people do not stick to the one you may be thinking right now, take out a college catalog and highlight every course you think you would like to take. The department with the most highlights will be your first major.

[bigruss]

Without knowing your intended major, if you like big crowds or smaller groups, lifestyle, etc. any advice you get is probably not worth the time to read it. If you have specific questions or concerns, you could get some great information here. Your list includes some of the top Universities in the Midwest and any would be a great choice, and any could be a terrible choice, it depends on you. If that makes sense.

 

If you haven't really decided on a major, and most people do not stick to the one you may be thinking right now, take out a college catalog and highlight every course you think you would like to take. The department with the most highlights will be your first major.

Sorry, I should have stated that right away.

 

My intended major is Business administration. I am a very open person, one who enjoys a small community and a large one, so basically I am open to either type of college. I think that I would prefer a larger college though, still close to 50/50.

 

I was really just trying to get opinions from people who may have attended or attend the universities stated, as some have had great experiences while others may not have. I know that I may be very different from these people, but all advice is appreciated on this end.

 

I guess some of my main concerns would be do you feel lost in a large campus, or do you get bored in a smaller one or in a more rural one?

[CanOfCorn]

Sorry, I should have stated that right away.

 

My intended major is Business administration. I am a very open person, one who enjoys a small community and a large one, so basically I am open to either type of college. I think that I would prefer a larger college though, still close to 50/50.

 

I was really just trying to get opinions from people who may have attended or attend the universities stated, as some have had great experiences while others may not have. I know that I may be very different from these people, but all advice is appreciated on this end.

 

I guess some of my main concerns would be do you feel lost in a large campus, or do you get bored in a smaller one or in a more rural one?

 

All I can do is give you my experience. I went to Illinois, but I think it could qualify for any of the large schools....

 

I am a very open person and freshman year was great. I had some friends from high school, but I didn't hang out with them after the first semester all that much. I met a LOT of people thru the dorm and then my core classes. But, here's the deal...by the time you are a sophomore, and maybe even earlier...you have your friends and the school shrinks. Obviously you aren't going to meet 40,000 people, but you don't necessarily WANT to meet all those people.

 

I had my friends from my major. My friends from my dorm. My friends from ref-fing intramural volleyball. My friends from Star-Course (concert production organization). Etc. And that was my experience.

 

Wherever you decide to go...enjoy it.

[SnB]

I'm a senior at U of I right now and I love it.

The beginning of freshmen year is a little overwhelming, but if you just stay open and get involved in your dorm and stuff, you'll be fine.

As said above, after the first couple years, you make your friends, move out of the dorms, get an apartment, and the lifestyle changes completely.

 

I love the big school mentality. There's so many different things, people, etc. I'm an economics major and have taken a ton of business classes, PM me if you have any questions on that stuff.

[bmags]

I guess I came from a big town but i really don't understand how a big campus would be overwhelming. Mizzou has like 22,000 people in it, but as a junior now it seems so small. My advice, go where you feel a connection to the campus, then your first year get involved in as much s*** as you can. Because time flies by so quickly, and by the time you are a junior you look back and have a bunch of "I Wish"'s when it's time to start making a resume for internships.

 

Mizzou's pretty cheap out of state and we'd be welcome to have ya.

[SoxFan1]

Grand Valley State Our football team is kind of a big deal, albeit DIV II.

[bigruss]

I'm a senior at U of I right now and I love it.

The beginning of freshmen year is a little overwhelming, but if you just stay open and get involved in your dorm and stuff, you'll be fine.

As said above, after the first couple years, you make your friends, move out of the dorms, get an apartment, and the lifestyle changes completely.

 

I love the big school mentality. There's so many different things, people, etc. I'm an economics major and have taken a ton of business classes, PM me if you have any questions on that stuff.

 

First question that pops into my head is it super competitive in the business school? I love competition, but I've heard stories at other schools students check out all the books at the library so that the other students cant get to them. I know it sounds rediculous, but its happened at schools like U Mich (major reason why I didnt apply, plus my bro goes there and I didnt like the school at all, just a weird feeling there).

 

Second, how are the teachers? Im guessing you start with alot of assistants teaching classes, but in general are the teachers approachable? I know the school says they are, but as a student do you find this to be true?

 

Third, is Urbana boring? I ahve heard that from a couple of people, but I dont believe that really, but would like to know from a recent student (the people I heard it from were grads from like forever ago, and a friend saying stuff he took from being in a rural area)

 

I guess I came from a big town but i really don't understand how a big campus would be overwhelming. Mizzou has like 22,000 people in it, but as a junior now it seems so small. My advice, go where you feel a connection to the campus, then your first year get involved in as much s*** as you can. Because time flies by so quickly, and by the time you are a junior you look back and have a bunch of "I Wish"'s when it's time to start making a resume for internships.

 

Mizzou's pretty cheap out of state and we'd be welcome to have ya.

 

I actually didnt consider Mizzou, mainly because of travel time. I will most likely be in the Deerfield area after high school baseball is over, and thats quite a haul. I want to go somewhere away, but thats a long drive. It does seem like a very nice school, and the tuition is very competitive, thanks for the heads up on that.

I do appreciate the info that the school starts to feel smaller, I guess I felt that at a high school of about 3,000, but I wasnt sure if it would be like that on a larger scale.

Grand Valley State Our football team is kind of a big deal, albeit DIV II.

Actually, the football team is quite good, and Ive heard that they would do pretty well in D1. Hows the racism stuff there? Ive heard of many complaints about GVSU having race problems in the past, have they cleared up? Im white, but I just dont really tolerate blind racism.

 

 

Thanks everybody for the responses so far!

[SnB]

First question that pops into my head is it super competitive in the business school? I love competition, but I've heard stories at other schools students check out all the books at the library so that the other students cant get to them. I know it sounds rediculous, but its happened at schools like U Mich (major reason why I didnt apply, plus my bro goes there and I didnt like the school at all, just a weird feeling there).

 

Second, how are the teachers? Im guessing you start with alot of assistants teaching classes, but in general are the teachers approachable? I know the school says they are, but as a student do you find this to be true?

 

Third, is Urbana boring? I ahve heard that from a couple of people, but I dont believe that really, but would like to know from a recent student (the people I heard it from were grads from like forever ago, and a friend saying stuff he took from being in a rural area)

 

1) competitive? not super ultra competitive. Econ majors (like myself) are kind of on the outside, looking in on the business school, but take all business classes, it's kind of weird. I wouldn't say it's really competitive, if you do the work in a class, you'll get a good grade. And for most classes, they're really not that difficult. But then again, I'm not a real competitive student and am usually more than happy with a B.

 

2) Teachers are usually very approachable. Your first couple years you'll have huge lectures twice a week, then a smaller discussion section with your TA one day a week. In those big classes, the proffesors will be harder to get to, but in all honesty, you really don't need to talk to them often. Your TA's will help you out with most of the smaller questions you'll have.

 

3) Well, the actual campus side of things are in champaign. That's where most of the dorms, apartments and bars are. It's a pretty normal college atmosphere, which is enjoyable. Urbana is more of the quiet, older side. Many seniors (including myself) live out here, it's cheaper and quieter. There is also a differente scene of bars in Urbana.

 

 

 

Wow, I remember asking these same exact questions on here 4 years ago, whoops.

[santo=dorf]

How is it that much cheaper to go to MSU instead of Illinois while being an Illinois resident?

Edited December 5, 2007 by santo=dorf

[bigruss]

How is it that much cheaper to go to MSU instead of Illinois while being an Illinois resident?

Michigan schools are much cheaper than Illinois schools. Illinois is ranked as one of the most expensive public schools, but also locks in your tuition so that helps a little bit. My brother at UMich has had major increases in his overall tuition/room and board every year, going up from 19 thousand to atleast 23 thousand in two years. The state of Michigan is trying to really keep the bright students instate, with the drastic moving of good workers (much like my dad) leaving the state due to the Big 3 auto comps. and Pfizer(where my dad was at). Illinois goes up every year, but once youre there they lock you in, sicne just 3 years ago my friends sister enrolled and pays about 17,000 I believe.

 

MSU really is a great value for what you get. UMich does cheap out on alot though, 13 meals per week is skimpy.

Plus, Illinois out of state is like close to $40 K, unbelievable

[santo=dorf]

When did Illinois start locking in their rates?

 

When I went it was around $4k a semester, by the time I left (2 years) it was pushin $5k.

[SnB]

When did Illinois start locking in their rates?

 

When I went it was around $4k a semester, by the time I left (2 years) it was pushin $5k.

yeah, my tuition has been increasing as well.

 

I believe the "locking in" is false.

 

[Felix]

Wisconsin sucks, go to Minnesota instead.

 

Oh, and I also think MSU is also pretty bad. I went there for a visit on their big "green and white" day, and it just turned out to be a waste of time. They hardly put any effort at all into it compared to the other schools I visited.

Edited December 5, 2007 by Felix

[bigruss]

yeah, my tuition has been increasing as well.

 

I believe the "locking in" is false.

Thats not what I have been told, this is coming from school officials and many websites (like collegeboard.com). They do have different costs for diff. schools, such as the engineering and business school cost more to attend, maybe thats a reason.

 

Otherwise I am not sure why you dont have a locked rate...

[SoxFan1]

Actually, the football team is quite good, and Ive heard that they would do pretty well in D1. Hows the racism stuff there? Ive heard of many complaints about GVSU having race problems in the past, have they cleared up? Im white, but I just dont really tolerate blind racism.

Thanks everybody for the responses so far!

Yeah, the football team is 1 win away from being in another national championship game. Racism wise, I haven't seen or heard of anything like that since I've been here. There's some segregation, as in the black people hang out with black people and white people hang out with white people, but there is no animosity or anything from either group. I personally love it here.

 

Meal plans are sweet, you're never far away from a cafeteria, the housing is new, we've got like 4 new building being built, and the campus is gorgeous.

[bigruss]

Wisconsin sucks, go to Minnesota instead.

 

Oh, and I also think MSU is also pretty bad. I went there for a visit on their big "green and white" day, and it just turned out to be a waste of time. They hardly put any effort at all into it compared to the other schools I visited.

I wouldnt say Wisco sucks , but yes I ahve heard many good things about Minnesota also.

 

MSU has many negatives, but also many positives. They are a great school, ranked I believe around #75 in the nation, and relatively easy to get in for what you get in return, plus is cheap compared to other schools. But they also accept many UMich rejects, and they really are that little brother. Not trying to be negative on it too much, because it offers a great education for kids who may not want to or cant get into UMich but dont/cant go out of state. I must say though that GVSU has really impressed me with their advancement in higher standards for students, its almost to the level of MSU.

 

I think they may be so uncoordinated because it is a huge school, one of the largest in the country I believe

[bigruss]

Yeah, the football team is 1 win away from being in another national championship game. Racism wise, I haven't seen or heard of anything like that since I've been here. There's some segregation, as in the black people hang out with black people and white people hang out with white people, but there is no animosity or anything from either group. I personally love it here.

 

Meal plans are sweet, you're never far away from a cafeteria, the housing is new, we've got like 4 new building being built, and the campus is gorgeous.

Good to hear, its just some rumors that ive heard that are nice to clear up. Everything that Ive heard about GVSU otherwise has been great, and I really like the idea of so many new buildings, seems like some top facilities are there now. Do you ever get to go west to the beaches at all? They try to sell that in their pamphlets, and I was wondering if they have good spots to go with adequate transportation to get their.

[SoxFan1]

Good to hear, its just some rumors that ive heard that are nice to clear up. Everything that Ive heard about GVSU otherwise has been great, and I really like the idea of so many new buildings, seems like some top facilities are there now. Do you ever get to go west to the beaches at all? They try to sell that in their pamphlets, and I was wondering if they have good spots to go with adequate transportation to get their.

Yeah, there are a ton of beaches in and around Grand Haven and Holland and they are all right off Lake Michigan Drive (Route 45). The Rapid bus goes that way but I'm not 100% sure how far it goes, usually I'll get a ride from a friend. The beaches are very nice when it's warm out and there are tons of girls, especially on the weekends in Grand Haven.

 

I know there are 2 routes that function on campus all the time. The 50 connects the main campus in Allendale to the Grand Rapids campus. Thats about a 20 minute ride. Then there is the 37 that takes you around the campus if you want and it also goes to all the off-campus apartments right of W. Campus Drive.

[Felix]

I wouldnt say Wisco sucks , but yes I ahve heard many good things about Minnesota also.

 

MSU has many negatives, but also many positives. They are a great school, ranked I believe around #75 in the nation, and relatively easy to get in for what you get in return, plus is cheap compared to other schools. But they also accept many UMich rejects, and they really are that little brother. Not trying to be negative on it too much, because it offers a great education for kids who may not want to or cant get into UMich but dont/cant go out of state. I must say though that GVSU has really impressed me with their advancement in higher standards for students, its almost to the level of MSU.

 

I think they may be so uncoordinated because it is a huge school, one of the largest in the country I believe

I only looked at big schools when I was looking around for colleges, and frankly, the lack of effort during a visit that Michigan State gave was insulting considering I spent a lot of time and effort getting out there for the visit (I'm from NJ, so going to visit MSU isn't exactly a small feat). They built up the day for months, and when we finally got there, it was basically nothing organized at all. They had a opening presentation thing, which was at least somewhat entertaining (meaning I didn't go to sleep), but that was it. Also, during said presentation, all they seemed to be concerned about was bashing Ann Arbor, that really pissed me off. Afterwards, they told us the locations of some buildings depending on what our interest for a degree was, and let us go. They hardly even helped us get to the buildings, and didn't offer a tour. It was pathetic, especially compared to the effort that some of the other schools gave (Minnesota especially, they do a hell of a job with tours here, and do everything short of getting you laid to make sure that you have a good time, and there are only 3k less undergrads according to CollegeBoard). The campus was nice when I walked around before the day started, but that was basically the only positive part of that visit for me.

 

Perhaps the visit was just an aberration, and they're actually good with tours and that sort of thing, but my experience was horrible.

 

 

Oh, and I say Wisconsin sucks because I'm a student here at Minnesota, and am obligated to. This is despite the fact that both my parents went to Wisconsin, and my brother was born there. They both wear their "Better Dead than Red" t-shirts (x-mas present from last year ) proudly.

Edited December 5, 2007 by Felix

[ZoomSlowik]

Wait a minute, am I missing a massive tuition increase at Illinois? I know out of state has to be nuts, but if you can qualify under in-state it was about 8k a semester when I graduated including room and board, which is coming up on 3 years ago. Granted it was about 6k a semester when I started, but s***, that's almost an extra 10 grand a year...

[bmags]

I only looked at big schools when I was looking around for colleges, and frankly, the lack of effort during a visit that Michigan State gave was insulting considering I spent a lot of time and effort getting out there for the visit (I'm from NJ, so going to visit MSU isn't exactly a small feat). They built up the day for months, and when we finally got there, it was basically nothing organized at all. They had a opening presentation thing, which was at least somewhat entertaining (meaning I didn't go to sleep), but that was it. Also, during said presentation, all they seemed to be concerned about was bashing Ann Arbor, that really pissed me off.

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't like the recruiting from those big 10 schools. I didn't like UofI early on, because of the campus set up, but I really liked Wisconsin Madison, but I went there and they really didn't seem to put in the effort to make it feel like they wanted you to come there, I mean I know they will have like 45000 applicants regardless, but they lost me. I never even thought about Mizzou, then I applied there, they called me once a month and sent me uber amounts of materials and gave me a nice scholarship. Looking back choosing colleges was such a crapshoot, but no doubt I picked the perfect school for me, and for that I feel pretty fortunate.

[bmags]

Wait a minute, am I missing a massive tuition increase at Illinois? I know out of state has to be nuts, but if you can qualify under in-state it was about 8k a semester when I graduated including room and board, which is coming up on 3 years ago. Granted it was about 6k a semester when I started, but s***, that's almost an extra 10 grand a year...

 

I believe after I factored in my 5,000 scholarship deciding on mizzou in 05, We figured that I was only paying an extra 1 g a year compared to instate uofI

[Chombi]

What's your major for one, what sports do you like and your partying habits?

 

Btw apply to Mizzou. Great School and campus is beautiful. The campus is what sold me. Decent and improving athletic department. Good party school and mostly everything there is brand new.

Edited December 5, 2007 by Chombi

[SnB]

Wait a minute, am I missing a massive tuition increase at Illinois? I know out of state has to be nuts, but if you can qualify under in-state it was about 8k a semester when I graduated including room and board, which is coming up on 3 years ago. Granted it was about 6k a semester when I started, but s***, that's almost an extra 10 grand a year...

tuition is around 7 or 8, but with room and board and everything else it's probably fair to come out to around 20k, everything included.