Talk me off a ledge

[Anonymous]

My DC has a full tuition scholarship (academic) to East Stroudsburg (applied there for reasons not relevant but also cast a wide net and all that).

Got into FAR more rigorous colleges (think, Villanova, Colgate, Lehigh) but they gave ZERO aid. And we'd be looking at $200-300K for undergraduate studies. The "in between" ones are not appealing to DC for various reasons.

Would be a pre-health path of some type.

DC is thinking of taking the full tuition scholarship. And I'm absolutely freaking out about it. I cannot find anything about their pre-health outcomes on their website. (I left these decisions re: applications mostly to her and never thought this would be what it came down to). While I'm sure there are many successful outcomes for that school, I'm feeling very anxious over the entire thing. DC worked very hard in HS and I just feel like why?

I acknowledge the snobbery in my post (i went to a similar type of school and wanted better for DC). But, I'm also legit worried about grad school and job placement outside of the small area of PA (it's more a regional school). Please give me some perspective.

[Anonymous]

They can always transfer junior year.

Take the scholarship don't be stupid.

[Anonymous]

Can you afford $250k?

[Anonymous]

If she’s a hard worker she’ll be fine no matter where she goes.

[Anonymous]

What are the in-between options?

What about some schools with big auto merit and open deadlines - might not be too late for that. Arizona, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC has a full tuition scholarship (academic) to East Stroudsburg (applied there for reasons not relevant but also cast a wide net and all that).

Got into FAR more rigorous colleges (think, Villanova, Colgate, Lehigh) but they gave ZERO aid. And we'd be looking at $200-300K for undergraduate studies. The "in between" ones are not appealing to DC for various reasons.

Would be a pre-health path of some type.

DC is thinking of taking the full tuition scholarship. And I'm absolutely freaking out about it. I cannot find anything about their pre-health outcomes on their website. (I left these decisions re: applications mostly to her and never thought this would be what it came down to). While I'm sure there are many successful outcomes for that school, I'm feeling very anxious over the entire thing. DC worked very hard in HS and I just feel like why?

I acknowledge the snobbery in my post (i went to a similar type of school and wanted better for DC). But, I'm also legit worried about grad school and job placement outside of the small area of PA (it's more a regional school). Please give me some perspective.

You don’t say whether you can fund the $200-300k options. If not - ES sounds like the winner.

[Anonymous]

Your kid is making a wise financial decision. The outcomes at the school don't matter, just hers. They probably don't have a lot of students with her profile. I know nothing about the specific school though. Have DD contact the pre-health coordinator and discuss outcomes, strategies etc.
Consider using the money saved to be very aggressive about getting internships in relevant health areas--you could fund her to live in a city near a hospital to do an internship. She could do an international health-related internship etc.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's an attractive option for pre-meds for getting good grades. But, I hear you, OP. Many kids change their minds on what they want to do.

[Anonymous]

I would be concerned about a regional campus when she's planning on a competitive graduate school. What are the in-betweens, academically and financially?

[Anonymous]

How much is your annual budget, OP?

[Anonymous]

I'm guessing this is a sports situation?

My misgiving is that there is a BIG gap between East Stroudsburg and Colgate/Lehigh. Can you say a little more about why the "middle" colleges are unappealling?

I think that in the health professions, the most important thing is to get the degree. And to get lots of hands-on experience along the way.

Did you guys visit ESU? What did you think?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC has a full tuition scholarship (academic) to East Stroudsburg (applied there for reasons not relevant but also cast a wide net and all that).

Got into FAR more rigorous colleges (think, Villanova, Colgate, Lehigh) but they gave ZERO aid. And we'd be looking at $200-300K for undergraduate studies. The "in between" ones are not appealing to DC for various reasons.

Would be a pre-health path of some type.

DC is thinking of taking the full tuition scholarship. And I'm absolutely freaking out about it. I cannot find anything about their pre-health outcomes on their website. (I left these decisions re: applications mostly to her and never thought this would be what it came down to). While I'm sure there are many successful outcomes for that school, I'm feeling very anxious over the entire thing. DC worked very hard in HS and I just feel like why?

I acknowledge the snobbery in my post (i went to a similar type of school and wanted better for DC). But, I'm also legit worried about grad school and job placement outside of the small area of PA (it's more a regional school). Please give me some perspective.

I don't know anything about that school or outcomes but assume you found this link to the health major? https://www.esu.edu/health_studies/index.cfm

[Anonymous]

OP if your kid wants medical school going for the full ride is the way to go. Med school is based on GPA. You want to be a big fish in a small pond and get the best grades. Sure it could change but then your child can transfer with great grades!

[Anonymous]

We really need to know what the other schools are.

[Anonymous]

If she is really pre-health, this is idea. No undergrad tuition!!! Get a super high GPA, lean into whatever health opportunities exist in the area, and set yourself apart. Do well on MCAT and boom. I understand how you feel, but this may be a tremendous opportunity. For a business degree, I would have a different opinion.