Updates on the whole college admissions business

[navane]

while I was doing a search for more buddy icons, I came across UCLA students' webpages. Gag. Anyway, I'm sure I will love hating UCLA, hehe .

Atta girl!!!!!!!!




......Kelly

[newbie]

OK, this might be one of my saddest/most pessimistic AND LONGEST posts ever on GC, but please bear with me. I'm just so frustrated right now!

So basically last night and this morning/afternoon -- till my dad picked me up from school -- I felt on top of the world. SEriously. I was SOOOOO excited about becoming a Trojan...it's something I've wanted since the BEGINNING of my college search. Yes, I can name the concrete things I love about SC (school spirit, campus atmosphere, private school, alum connections, Trojan Family, etc. etc...the list goes on), but there has always been something intangible about SC that I just LOVE but can't explain to people!

I'm just so sick of being on the roller coaster ride that I'm on right now. I've grown so much in the past 2 months -- much more than I've ever grown, I think -- and have changed so much, and have experienced the extremes of emotion (exhilaration and despair). It began in March, when I was elated when I was accepted to UCI. It was one of the schools that I wanted to go to, but USC was always IT for me. The thing is, and I never told you guys this yet, that though I sent out 7 college applications, the only one I ever truly cared about was SC's. I worked my butt off jr year and sr yr to get into SC, and though I had other favorites college-wise, they were my "backups" just in case the large possibility happened that I wouldn't get into USC. I was elated tho when UCI accepted me, because in my eyes, I'd be going "somewhere" I liked in the Fall.

Then there was the Davis acceptance. The first reaction -- and I kid you not -- that I had when I got into Davis was, "Oh OK...cool." Nothing like my enormous excitement with Irvine's, where I jumped and screamed, running around the house with glee and never stopped smiling (my mom said she saw me smiling in my sleep, too, that night!). But then, I realized that Davis is a good school, too, and that I should give it a chance. I grew more and more excited that another competitive school wanted me. It's just that throughout this whole college admissions process, I've doubted myself like never before. I feel like I've changed from an optimist to a pessimist. It's just that I made serious mistakes sophomore year, academics-wise, that I felt that no good college would want me. That's why I worked my butt off junior and senior year to prove to everyone, especially SC, that I was a good student and would be a great asset to their school. My teachers have told me time and time again that I'm the most worried person they've ever met. Before my Irvine acceptance, I heard about other friends and classmates getting in. I was so nervous and kept on comparing my stats to theirs, thinking that I would be stuck at a community college. So Davis was also a boost to my (admittedly low) academic self-esteem.

After I visited Davis, I was all set to go there. I just had this "feeling" that SC wouldn't accept me. Most people heard from SC in late February or early March...not like me (I found out April 3rd). I was so excited about Davis, too. Deep down inside, I told myself that SC was a longshot...in both terms of admission and finances. I was satisfied with Davis, too.

And then everything started. SC accepted me April 3rd, and I feel like I've been on such a roller coaster since. I was so shocked to get in, but was also exhilarated because I had worked so hard JUST for SC. JUST to feel the feelings that I felt when I got accepted. And then after that, I was so nervous, and being the constant worrier I am, couldn't stop thinking about when the SC fin aid package would arrive. Despite my worry, though, I just thought that things would work itself out...SC has a good reputation for financial aid.

So I found out April 20th, a Saturday, about my SC fin aid package. I looked online, and immediately called my parents. Actually, initially I was pretty pleased with the package...for some reason the 1800 they offered me, I thought it looked like 18000. Yes, I was wearing my-not-20/20-glasses at that time, heh. So I caleld my parents and then was like, "Ohhhhhh....it's 1800. Ummmm, they offered me a $585 grant!" My parents laughed sarcastically and were like, "Um, Yeeeeeeah. USC is crazy!" That afternoon, I sobbed and sobbed, thinking that my dream of becoming a Trojan was shot. I kept on telling myself and my friends, 'why couldn't I have been just REJECTED? That would have felt so much better than to get accepted and not be able to attend. It's just, I already was prepared to get rejected! Why did they have to totally hurt me like this?' And though I tried long and hard, I couldn't push away the thought that Davis was also good too. I just thought too much of SC.

So then last week, my Dad told me that we should, as we had planned, still go down to visit SC. I was like, "Why?!? USC sucks. Are they crazy to expect us to pay so much? I don't want my heart to be punched out AGAIN. Just to see the campus again, that will hurt so much. I don't even want to set eyes on the campus. It already hurts enough." But my Dad persuaded me to never give up. That life is too precious to give up so soon, when I've gotten so far. I rolled my eyes, adn was like, "Ok, whatever. We're still going to Disneyland, right?"

So I got on the plane, just expecting to spend an unsuccessful day at the USC financial aid office, and go to Disneyland on Saturday. I even called my Mom on Thurs. night (the night I got to LA) to complain to her, saying, "Dad's out of his mind. Yeah, like USC's gonna give us anymore than 1000. No thank you. I don't even wanna go Mommy!" But my Mom told me that I should just go...since I'm in LA anyway.

So I went to the fin aid office, and when I walked on campus, I just felt so sad. I thought to myself, "Why does USC have to be so mean?? It's not like they know me, but still, why do they have to let me in and not let me go because of money??" Then in the fin aid office, USC really pleasantly surprised me. They surpassed my expectations....giving me so much in aid, compared to the original package. Thank Goodness.

So I walked around campus, loving it more and more. I realized that I had a VEEEERY good chance of going to SC. I just loved the architecture, the spirit that every student at SC has, the warmth that the campus seems to have for its students, and the people, who are all amazing. Then the next day I returned for campus for Admitted Students Open House. I loved SC even more (quite impossible, but true!). The only thing I dreaded about my trip was leaving...I didn't want to leave SoCal, I didn't want to return home to face my mother....who was SO AGAINST me going to SC.

The whole plane trip home I was thinking about how I wish I was back in LA. LA, BTW, is amazing, for those of you who haven't been there. Then I got home, and my mother refused to listen to anything I said about SC. But slowly, after several crying and yelling matches, she began to come around. That afternoon, she told me, "Though I don't like the school, and though it will be SO DIFFICULT for us to send you there, I want you to go. You love the school so much, and I think you will do well there." I immediately ran to my mother, jumped and hugged her, and told her just how much I appreciated her and loved her. I told her how this was the best present she ever gave me, and how I would make her SO PROUD of me at my SC graduation in May 2006. I told her how I would make sure of it that she would think that all the money and sacrifices my family and I would make for me would be worth all our energy.

Flash forward to Sunday night. I was so angry because my sister called and changed my mother's mind about USC. My sister, again, ruined my dream (at least temporarily) about USC. She and I had a shouting match, in which I hung up sobbing. My mother then made me feel horrible when she told me all the sacrifices we would have to make just so I can attend my dream school. That whole night, I sobbed like never before. I never knew that I could cry like that. I just thought, "What am I gonna do? It's already April 28th, and I have to make my decision befrore May 1st. If I choose SC, I will have to deal with the possibly-major financial consequences that will face us. If I choose Davis, I won't be following my heart and will always wonder WHY I couldn't have just signed my SIR card to SC." I cried myself to sleep, and decided that I just wasn't in the right emotional state to go to school the next day.

The next morning, I woke up at 7 AM and overheard my mother telling my father, "I couldn't sleep at all last night. Was thinking about what will happen to us should we send her to USC." I started crying again, and put in earplugs because I knew that I needed rest -- my good friend Jess had told me that what I truly needed at that time was rest to clear my head from all the frustrations and worries I was experiencing. I went back to sleep, woke up, called my cousin and again started crying, because I just didn't know what to do. My mother, bless her heart, called me around 1 PM to tell me this: "You can go to USC." I thought she was joking, and I was incredulous. She told me that she knew how much I wanted it, and though we will all have to sacrifice things that I wouldn't have had to at Davis, that it also will be worth it. I was so happy, called my friends on their cellphones (they were at lunch) and was screaming because I finally had reached my goal of being a USC Trojan. Then I went back online, talked to Amycat, and downloaded a USC buddy icon and wallpaper for my computer .

So last night and this morning/afternoon -- till my dad picked me up from school -- I was on top of the world. I told my other friends and teachers the good news, and they all hugged me so tightly because they knew how elusive this was for me. They knew how much I wanted this to come through. Then my dad picked me up. The whole car ride home, I was talking about USC-this, USC-that. He was silent. I knew something was wrong. When we got home, he told me, "I think we should still send in the Davis SIR." I was AGAPE with shock. I was like, "What?!!!! WHY???????????????????????" In the house, I asked him point-blank, "Tell me honestly...where do you want to send me?" His answer: "USC!" Then I asked, "Are you 100% sure as of now that you want to send me there?" He said yes. Then I asked, "Are you expecting to lose 100 dollars (the SIR fee of UCD)?" He said yes. So then I asked him WHY DO YOU WANT TO SEND IN THE UCD SIR after ALL OF THIS! He said, to keep options open! But I just don't get it. If he and my mom are 100% committed to sending me to USC, like they say, why the hell (pardon my language) are they sending in the UCD SIR?? If he even said that they want to send me to USC, WHY WHY WHY???????? Then he stormed off after I told him I just frankly did not understand WHY he wanted to send in the SIR.

He left the house with the UCD SIR. I called my mother, sobbing yet again, demanding to know what happened. My mother, as it turns out, is vehemently against him sending the UCD SIR, because she wants me to go to USC now. She told me that one of my uncles had persuaded my dad to send in the SIR. That just got me soooooooo pissed. First off, this uncle does not know me very well -- I see him once every 2 years -- TOPS. Secondly, he doesn't know why I like USC so much...has he ever asked me? Noo. Thirdly, just because he's a doctor he should know everything?

So I called one of my good friends and sobbed while she tried to counsel me. Then, on the other line, was my mother. She said she had convinced my dad not to send it. I called my dad immediately, asking did he or didn't he. He said he didn't. Then he hung up, saying that he had to talk to me later. I got back to my friend, relieved that my dream of being a USC Trojan was fully intact.

Fast forward 30 minutes later. My dad proceeds to call me to tell me how disappointed he is in me and how selfish I'm being. I then try to explain to him how MUCH it WORRIES me for him to send in the UCD SIR....how much my future hangs on the line just b/c this uncle told him to do this...how MUCH I want CLOSURE after this stressful and confusing admissions process. How MUCH I want to be a Trojan. How I had already PLANNED to be a Trojan. How proud and happy everyone was for me, because they knew how much I've wanted it. How much it worries me that this SIR -- this commitment -- means that there is a GOOD possiblity that I will be forced to attend UCD this Fall. All the time I was tellign him this, he kept on saying how selfish I was being. The thing is, though, I might be being selfish, yes, but he must realize that behind this whole SIR thing, there is a person with feelings...an intense person who never stops worrying about her future...a passionate person who has let the whole world know how much she loves USC...a girl who has wanted to be a Trojan for so long, and just yesterday, WAS one....

He still hasn't decided whether to send in the UCD SIR. And I'm so scared right now. So disappointed in him. So frustrated that I've come SO far...and maybe not far enough. So frustrated that I might not be able to be a Trojan anymore....just SO frustrated knowing that my future might not be in my control.

I'm just so sick of crying, so sick of being on this stupid roller coaster ride called life, so sick of this whole college thing. The truth is, I'm such a worrier at heart (one of my teachers said she has not known anybody who worries as much as me). I won't be able to enjoy the rest of my sr yr, because just thinking about UCD and USC makes me mad. Makes me sad, disappointed, worried, frustrated. I hate thinking that at my Graduation -- where I should be truly content with myself -- I might not know where i'm headed. Who knows when this whole drama will end? Will my dad force me to continue sending UC fees? Will he not let me stop thinking about UCD until the end of SEptember (when classes start for the UC system)?

WILL I BE A USC TROJAN???????

I'm sorry this is so negative, it's just I thought I would be truly content come May 1st... ha ha...that is so not happening unless my dad doesn't send off the UCD SIR.

I'm still not removing the "Fight On Trojans" from my signature...no matter what happens, I will still root for USC. I'm just hoping that I can become a student there come next Spring...and not some UCD girl who likes USC.

[DeltAlum]

Sorry, but I think your dad may be doing a wise thing. I don't know whether it means he's changed his mind about USC or not.

Consider that if, for some reason, your parents simply can't honestly afford USC, there will be a fallback position. Otherwise, you won't be able to go anywhere in the Fall. It's not a bad $100 to lose. It offers options.

I don't know your parents, but I would like to think that they want to do the very best they can for you.

The other thing that I can't help wondering is this. You seem to enjoy chatting with Greeks -- how would it be possible to rush and pledge if all spendable dollars are being used for college costs? GLO's are not inexpensive. Would it be better going to a less expensive school and being able to be in a sorority than going to a super expensive school and missing out on the opportunity?

Which would make you happier?

I hate to have to bring this stuff up. It would be so much nicer to just say congratulations again. But sitting in the parents seat can cast a more ominous light on things.

I'm sorry -- I hope things can work out so you will all be happy.

It's a terrible time for everyone.

[Peaches-n-Cream]

It seems like your father's concerns are financial which are very valid. He is probably in the same position as many parents of college aged children these days. It costs about $125,000 for a degree from a four year private college. That is a tremendous amount of money for any family to handle plus you have a sister who is currently in college. Additionally, retirement might be another concern for him if he is over 50.
I strongly suggest that you look into other forms of financial aid. Do some research on the web. Maybe you will get lucky. It certainly won't hurt to apply for other scholarships and grants. My friend applied for a scholarship sponsored by a local politician, and he received $5,000. Maybe you will find something like that. Good luck!

[juniorgrrl]

I'm sorry you are on such a roller coaster ride - I've been there, honey, and I know it sucks.

However, from someone who has been there, done that with schools, I think its very wise of your father to "get a second opinion" of sorts.

LSU has a program called Spring Testing where HS Seniors with high ACT scores (25+) can take CLEP tests. I DID NOT want to go. I was going to Tulane, they were the best school ever, LSU was one step above clown college and Hamburger U. in my mind. My mom fought me hard to go, and I spent most of the time here sulking and even crying. I still managed to get 20something hours of credit.

NOT that I'm saying this will happen to you, but sometimes our dream schools do not work out. I know that every time I visited Tulane, I saw what I wanted to see, not how it truly was. At the end of my first semester, I decided that the money was not worth what I was getting. Sometimes this happens with private schools. You end up feeling that you're just not getting value for what you're paying. I know VERY little about SC, so I'm not saying that would happen. But, you never know.

When I transferred to LSU, I was sure as hell glad my mom forced me to go to Spring Testing. I was a sophomore already, even though it was only my second semester. That's afforded me many, many 12 hour semesters, and I still could have graduated early.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, if your parents are still supporting you in your decision to go to USC - let it slide that they're sending in a SIR to Davis. They're going to make a huge sacrifice for you - and I'm sure they're scared crapless about the financial burden. If it will make them feel better to have a backup option should something happen, let it go.

I hope it all works out for the best. Just remember, sometimes what we want with intense ferver is not necessarily the best for us.

Good luck.

[KarenC725]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
Sorry, but I think your dad may be doing a wise thing. I don't know whether it means he's changed his mind about USC or not.

Consider that if, for some reason, your parents simply can't honestly afford USC, there will be a fallback position. Otherwise, you won't be able to go anywhere in the Fall. It's not a bad $100 to lose. It offers options.

I don't know your parents, but I would like to think that they want to do the very best they can for you.

The other thing that I can't help wondering is this. You seem to enjoy chatting with Greeks -- how would it be possible to rush and pledge if all spendable dollars are being used for college costs? GLO's are not inexpensive. Would it be better going to a less expensive school and being able to be in a sorority than going to a super expensive school and missing out on the opportunity?

Which would make you happier?

I hate to have to bring this stuff up. It would be so much nicer to just say congratulations again. But sitting in the parents seat can cast a more ominous light on things.

I'm sorry -- I hope things can work out so you will all be happy.

It's a terrible time for everyone.

Thanks DeltAlum. Pretty much posted everything I was thinking.

[amycat412]

Car-

This does not mean that your parents don't want you to go to USC. They've both told you point blank that they want you to go--but, they are worried about money, and they just want to ensure that you'll be taken care of.

Proceed as if you are goign to USC, don't even think or talk about UCD--its a non-issue. Your parents are not going to trick you or surprise you, IF something happens that you cannot attend USC, I think it will be a HUGE reason and you will understand...

But in the meantime, remember that you and your parents fought long and hard to get all of you on the same page--wanting you to go to USC. You are still there, but it does not hurt to have a backup.

Fight on Trojan Girl!
Amy

[amycat412]

One more thing-- I just want to quote part of your signature back to you and tell you to believe in it and follow it--

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

Sometimes to live the life we've imagined we have to take a route we did not imagine, but the end goal is the same. OK, that's all the wisdom I have!

[newbie]

WOOHOO! My dad said he's not sending it!!!!! Can you imagine my relief and happiness right now?!

It's just that I had such a rough day today and could not stop thinking about it at school. I cried in most of my classes, and just was a walking zombie today. I talked to a few of my awesome teachers, and told them what was going on. They gave me amazing advice and really helped me get through the day. My teachers all told me that they think I'm a private school kid anyway, because I'm the type of person who really needs to connect with people. One teacher said, "I found that quality in you the first week you joined my class. I could tell that you weren't satisfied with just sitting passively in class. I really like that you seek people out and genuinely like to talk with your teachers." This teacher of mine went to Duke and he so knows what I mean when I describe the reasons I have for liking SC so much! Though I think Duke is BY FAR more well-known and of better academic quality, my teacher said he puts SC and Duke in the same category as a "good, private, and spirited school."

In my math class, I was sniffling, feeling down, and spacing out, and my guy friend in front of me was writing rapidly on his piece of paper. Near the end of class, he handed it to me. I just burst out crying when I read it...it just really struck a cord in me. Here's what he wrote:

"On a narrow bridge,
you feel a sway,
A slight breeze in early May,
You cross to get to the other side,
The breeze blows hard,
The bridge sways wide.
Upon your knees you begin to cry.
Losing faith, you wish so much when you sigh,
Looking up you see the other side
slowly die.
Then you hear the words
"FIGHT ON,"
You stand up and wipe away your tears,
You look straight ahead,
across the bridge,
lies your dream.
The wind undying, you take a step,
Fighting to believe,
You whisper to yourself,
"I will make it, I MUST FIGHT ON."



Then in his letter to me, my friend wrote, "I might not be going to USC...I might not fully understand why you like it so much, but you have to FIGHT ON! Remember that Victory sign you showed me that you said SC does? Isn't "Fight On" USC's motto? Isn't it YOUR motto? ... I might sound silly saying this, but, you can't lose sight of what you want in your future...a future you've worked so hard to earn. Don't let anyone throw it away for you...FIGHT to keep it...you have to go ON...believe in yourself, have some faith...this is just a small bump...everyone has bumps in their life...just remember...FIGHT ON...FIGHT for your dream...FIGHT for your future...FIGHT for yourself."

Geez, that friend of mine -- I had no idea that he was a poet! Anyway, now that I read it, I smile and think, "What a great friend I have," but when I read it in class, I just cried really hard, because to me it seemed that USC was elusive, and that I could never say "Fight on" b/c what if I couldn't be a Trojan?

But now I AM -- once again -- and you can bet I'll always keep this letter he gave me!

FIGHT ON!!! BTW, I think this is my new motto .

P.S. Thank you everyone for encouraging me to keep on going...I appreciate it so much! DeltAlum, yes, I'd love to join a sorority, BUT as of now I truly think that USC is worth perhaps sacrificing joining a sorority...USC means that much to me. My parents and I are making lots of sacrifices for me to attend USC, but I couldn't be happier...

As for the sorority thing, I'll let life take its course (something I rarely do! LOL) and see where it takes me. But, as of now, I'm planning to just keep my options open...but I DO know that once I get to SC, I want to be a Helen (said to be the "official host of the University"). The Hellenes are a service organization at USC BTW. I also want to work at Troy Camp, among other things!

[bucutie02]

Newbie,
I too was in the same situation. When i was choosing a college, i decided to go with Baylor because i was premed and its like one of the best in state schools to go to for that. I wasnt even considering out of state because i knew i couldnt handle that.

Baylor is about 17K and semester, so not as much as USC, but still expensive for my parents. My parents actually wanted me to go to a community college and stay home for about 2 years, or go to the university of houston. It was a money issue, but it was more concern about me. They know how i am, and felt i would be better off staying home for the first two years of college. I was stubborn because Baylor had been my dream school, and i had bee accepted so there was nothing that was going to stop me!!

That summer before freshman year, there would be nights i would cry myself to sleep. It was so weird, I was the one that wanted to go to Baylor, but at the same time, i knew i wasnt emotionally ready to "leave the nest". I never told my parents that because i didnt want them to tell me "i told you so!".

I loved everything at Baylor, especially how proud i felt saying that i was going to go to Baylor in a couple of months.

I know i didnt make the most of my year, and it could have been better, but i knew my parents were right.

Long story short, i ended up going to Baylor for a year, and then transferred to the university of houston. UH is so much cheaper than Baylor its ridiculous. The people at UH are sooo much more down to earth though, and i truly enjoy living at home.

So, my point is, sometimes its hard to believe it, but maybe your parents know what they are doing.

I know you want to go to USC, and I am not saying that what happened to me will happen to you, but just think things throughly.

I am, however, very happy for you when i heard your latest news!!! I wish you luck in whatever direction you end up going!

[newbie]

So it's been final for a few days now. I'm an official Trojan, as you all probably know.

Anyhow, each day I'm doubting my decision more and more. No doubt about it though -- I'm so proud to be a Trojan -- but it's just, I wonder if I made the right decision.

I know that where I go to college essentially shapes the rest of my life. I'll be a different person going to USC. I'll meet different people, form different beliefs, probably even take on different professions (will explain that later). I just wonder if I've done the right thing?

I mean, it's just that I feel horrible because everyone in my family -- with the exception of my cousin and his family -- is vehemently against my decision. Even my father, now. It will be such a financial sacrifice for me to attend USC. And each passing day I feel more and more guilty because my parents/grandparents/aunts tell me, "Oh, so-and-so passed up Berkeley to take on a full scholarship at State. Why couldn't you have done that??? But no, you chose USC. You don't even think about the family. All you think about is yourself. But look at so-and-so. She chose State. Why couldn't you have?" And my parents tell me, time and time again, "You have to realize...we're only allowing you to go to USC because you love it so much. Otherwise there's no reason for us to let you go there."

And of course there's my sister. Not only does she hate me right now (I'm not kidding...we're not speaking), but everyone in my family says to my parents (who then tell me), "Your first daughter was so good. She turned down good private schools to go to a UC." And my parents are like, "Yeah, she's the good daughter who thought about people other than herself."

And I just wonder...have I made the right decision? Because not only will my family have to make major sacrifices, I will have to, too. So many things that I could do at Davis, I can't at USC. I mean, I think in the long run it's well worth it -- I will be/am so proud of being a Trojan -- but I just wonder, ya know? In fact, I will probably have to change my major from Psych to a more money-making one. My parents are intent on forcing me to do something else. They said, "Since we're letting you go to USC, you better major in something that will help you pay off the loans. Why the hell would you go to USC to study psychology and education? You can do that at State."

I mean, long time ago, I had already vowed to myself that if I were to choose 'SC, I would work my butt off to prove to everyone that it's indeed worth it. But now, everyone in my family's telling me, "You had better get great grades there. Or else we'll kill you." I mean, I know that I have the capability to do well at 'SC. In the past, I've set goals and reached them. But then, college's different, and I wonder...will I make it? Will I be able to make everyone proud? Will I be able to make everyone -- including myself -- finally believe that all this sacrifice and investment is worth it?

So I guess I'm doubting my decision...but on the other hand, I think to myself, "Had I chosen Davis, I wouldn't be as proud and satisfied as I am now that I have chosen the Trojans."

[KillarneyRose]

Newbie,
Congratulations on USC! As for your doubt that you made the right decision: Any time a person makes a life-altering decision, it is only natural that they will feel some degree of doubt. There's nothing wrong with that. But don't give up on your dream because of it.

My (biological) sister gave up a full ride to Penn State because she also got into the Ivy League school she had always wanted to attend. My parents weren't happy about her decision and she ended up borrowing a ton of money to get through, but she did get through and today she has the satisfaction of knowing that she saw her dream through to the end. Don't deprive yourself of feeling that one day! One of the worst feelings is looking back and realizing that you should have gone for it but you didn't, and it is too late.

Geez, I AM getting old. I sound like a mom!

[bucutie02]

Newbie,
Since your parents truly cant afford the tuiton, are you getting any loans?

[IowaHawkeye]

Newbie - I have to say this, with all things in life follow and stay true to your heart. If USC is truly what you want in your heart - then it will be worth it for you to go there, you will be happy and the ends will justify the means. Your family can't understand your decision, your logic and reasoning in falling love with USC - all they can do is support and love you hrough the next four years and watch you blossom into an even more amazing person.

When my sister was looking at colleges she fell in love with Georgetown. Awesome, beautiful, great retuation academically. Hell, I even love georgetown and would love to go there. Its also a very expensive private school. Over $32,000 a year to go to school - my parents could afford that but it would mean some compromises. Luckily, my sister fell in love with another school (Maryland). If you won't fall in love with another school, if USC is your school - go there and be happy and work hard and make YOURSELF proud and don't worry about the rest!

[newbie]

Thanks you guys! You all are awesome .

I couldn't be happier that I'm a Trojan, but even now I still think about how life might be so different if I'd sent in the Davis SIR.

Bucutie, yes, we are definitely taking out loans! Without it, I couldn't go to 'SC!

Anyway, thanks again for all your support everyone! Have a great week!