VCU vs Wingate SOP?

[PharmlyDoc]

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I have been accepted to Wingate, a small private school in NC. I like the campus because it's brand new, my dad has a lot of coworkers that graduated from there, and I have friends going there. On the other hand, I also like VCU (interviewed) because its located at a medical center, its been around longer, and seems to have more options as far as rotations are concerned. VCU will cost me about $36,000 a year (if accepted) whereas Wingate will only be $30,000.

Any thoughts?

 

[Dred Pirate]

You won't pay that toal amount at either - wait until you get your financial aid package before you contemplate - that may make the deciscion for you

 

[PharmlyDoc]

So does the cost not really matter? Because the only cost that matters is my financial aid from FAFSA/loans?

 

[Dred Pirate]

I am sorry, I don't get what your last statement is trying to say. The only cost that matters is what you pay - who cares if it costs 100,000 a year to go to school but your financial aid package makes it $500 vs a school that only costs 10,000 a year but you get no financial aid.

 

[PharmlyDoc]

But wouldn't it matter to attend the cheaper school? The less money borrowed the better.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Do you not understand how finanical aid works? It is not all just loans - you have to figure in scholarships, needs based aid, etc. Don't you pay for your undergrad tuition? (unless you are one of those silver spoon children whose mommy and daddy cover everying)

 

[PharmlyDoc]

My undergrad education is almost paid for. Fortunately my father started saving since before I was born. He gave me an opportunity to go to college just as his parents did for him, and I took advantage of it. Thank you for your input.

 

[Dred Pirate]

My undergrad education is almost paid for. Fortunately my father started saving since before I was born. He gave me an opportunity to go to college just as his parents did for him, and I took advantage of it. Thank you for your input.

my point was asking you if you understood how finanical aid works - there is more to it than the list price - the list price is starting point, like buying a car, you never pay list price - A ford is more marked up than a toyota, etc.

 

[ethyl]

I know nothing about VCU but I enjoyed my interview and introduction to Wingate. I was accepted there but ultimately decided on a closer public university. The smaller class size was great and the campus looked outstanding. I also appreciated the dean taking time to speak with us and participate in the interview process. I didn't find much housing opportunities at first glance but that was 7 years ago so hopefully that has changed.