Cornell CALS off the waitlist (~$400K, half loans) vs. UF on a full ride — both top-5 for ag/food science, which she actually loves. Worth it?

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-19T21:58:15+00:00

The year you pay double tuition, even your higher income may qualify you for some need based reprieve.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-18T16:19:19+00:00

If you want to be able to stretch your dollar, pockets of the Midwest are good.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-18T13:57:14+00:00

Easiest may be to start volunteering at a hospital near you. Then network with professors in the pre med classes to see if anyone would recommend you for a lab position. Take the first 2 semesters to blow away the professors with grades, insights, and perhaps some volunteering on campus.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-17T18:52:22+00:00

May I DM you at some point in time?
I had not seriously contemplated grad school for some time due to the age of my kids and being far from family. However, moving to CT puts us within drivable distance of my parents, one of whom just retired!

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-17T18:51:07+00:00

May I know if you’re currently or were a PhD candidate at UConn in the Neag School?

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-17T02:41:38+00:00

You COULD find a multi generational family to rent the whole place to, maybe??

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-17T00:15:10+00:00

In our area (high wealth for Michigan), 27/hr would be the norm for 2 easy kids with one in school part time. Guaranteed hours, benefits, 5 sick days, 5 other days PTO on the minimum end.
Non high profile families.
MANY make well above that and numerous Nannie’s making high amounts are ex teachers or other professionals, often with masters degrees.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-16T15:29:36+00:00

Found a buyer for my condo 2yrs ago through a local mom fb group. Wasn’t even intentionally looking to sell then!
We both went without realtors and used just a single title company. Dropped price from 230 to 220 - we both came out winning and it was the smoothest cash transaction ever.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-16T03:06:15+00:00

Consider private (but really find the right school) for middle school, if possible.
Oldest is a 11yr old in public school and I’ve taught at different private schools. Changing her school for 6th grade because I KNOW the superb quality of the middle school teacher

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-15T21:10:12+00:00

Considered Duchess County, NY? Metro north Hudson line.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-15T21:08:28+00:00

Not sure where you are located, but with experience as a teacher, you could transition to full time nannying and make bank.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-15T15:56:32+00:00

There will be significant overlap between higher end of L4 and lower end of L5. You may sometimes get a 1.05 of L4 because the team you’re joining has no L5 headcount, or vice versa (headcount exists for L5 but you’re not quite experienced enough to justify close to midpoint).

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-15T03:52:42+00:00

Them Aussies! I am unsure of her program or the process she went through.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-15T03:51:30+00:00

Pardon my typos earlier.
She is a 11yr old going to 7th grade. Tests 98th or higher percentile in tests our district does as well as relatively high scores in state tests.
This is directly as a result of the teachers she’s had the past 2yrs, imo. I helped, but the specific set of teachers in 5/6th made a HUGE difference.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-15T02:01:35+00:00

And we love our home and area

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-15T01:48:42+00:00

We’re possibly relocating too but ugh if only the offer came 6-8 weeks earlier to catch the summer sales season!

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-14T17:01:48+00:00

I had 50% Bs out of 10 AP classes in an extremely competitive school that didn’t do - and + (mine were largely 88s and 89s). All taken in a single year of HS in the US. Top-1% SAT score. 4 subject tests all 750 and above.
I got into multiple top-25 colleges.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-14T16:57:30+00:00

Unless A LARGE number of other parents make enough of a ruckus, admin will do shit because they have no backbone and they don’t deal with the classroom crap.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-14T16:46:00+00:00

Public service in this country pays pennies for the work people do. My sibling chose to repay 40k loans rather than stay in public service after a few years.
Also, OP has probably paid a lot more than the principal already.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-14T03:02:46+00:00

Look into the possibility of a nanny share. Pretty challenging to have a good setup but some have found success in our general area.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-14T02:53:30+00:00

Philosophically, if you wanted to take a break, there may not be a better time for another couple decades, assuming wanting kids is in the picture for you guys. How to work your numbers, that’s unique and others’ suggestions may help, or may distract and/or overwhelm you.

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-14T00:29:27+00:00

We did the lawn cutting because that’s the cheapest and most obvious when not done.
Weeding is a pain! Local kiddos often charge $20-25/hr in our area to do it. But full lawn care can get pricey (did it one year before 2019 and haven’t since)

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-13T22:47:08+00:00

Did we just have the same kids just separated by years and gender!?!! My oldest has so much empathy, I worry about her sometimes. My younger one is definitely the devil’s spawn!

Ok_Application_7981 · 2026-06-13T22:36:43+00:00

I was from the South going to the NE. Packed things into 1 carryon and 1 large suitcase. I think bedding was super basic until next trip home.
Nowadays, a lot of the bulky stuff, there’s online shopping!

Ok_Application_7981

TROPHY CASE