Help Katy attend BU High School Honors Summer Program

Kaitlyn has wanted to attend Boston University after high school for several years now.  Last summer I took her on an East Coast College Tour trip where the highlight was the city of Boston and Boston University.  Since then, she has been even more focused and driven in her studies than before... if that's possible!  Several months ago she received a brochure in the mail about summer programs for high school students at BU.  Her excitement at the thought of a six week residential summer semester at the school of her dreams was easily seen by all whenever the slightest mention of anything that could possibly be related at all to the entire New England area and Boston University came up by the way her face would light up.  She spent a good deal of time and put a lot of thought into her personal statement, gathered all other documents requested, and sent in her application.  The following several weeks was almost torture waiting to find out if she had been accepted.  Finally, last week, she and I both received the following email:

from: Term, Summer [email protected]

to: "Katy Waid ([email protected])" <[email protected]>

cc: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>

date: Thu, May 24, 2012 at 7:26 AM

subject: Boston University High School Honors, Admission Decision Enclosed

Dear Kaitlyn,                  

Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the Boston University High School Honors Program.  You will be one of a wonderful mix of students from various backgrounds from all around the world.  We are confident that your excellent level of high school achievement will continue this summer at Boston University.

 Enclosed is a packet that should answer all of your questions regarding check-in, the dormitory and dining hall, health services, and much more.  In addition, enclosed are all the forms you need to register for the program.  Please take some time to read the Program Information & Guidelines booklet carefully and share the information with your parents or guardians.  It will help you plan for the summer and will make the forms you need to fill out much easier to understand.  Once you complete the forms please send them back to our office.

 The Admissions Committee has reviewed your application materials and financial documents thoroughly. We are able to offer you $1500 in financial aid towards the cost of the High School Honors program.

 We hope that you will join us this summer, and it is important that you let us know of your decision as soon as possible so we can register you in your classes.  Please return your forms within three weeks of receiving your acceptance packet.  This secures your position in the program and your seat in classes.

 If you have any questions about this packet or any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us at 617-353-1378 or [email protected], congratulations and we look forward to welcoming you to Boston University on July 1st.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Z. Adams, PhD

Associate Director

Boston University Summer Term

May 24, 2012

Matthew Cobb

Program Coordinator

Boston University Summer Term

755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 105

Boston, MA 02215

T: (617) 353-1378

F: (617) 353-5532

www.bu.edu/summer/highschool

The screams of pure joy and excitement could be heard for miles I'm sure!  Soon, after reading that email again and looking through the documents attached, she saw that she probably would not be able to attend afterall.  The amount of financial aid offered, $1500, is no where near enough. 

Tuition & Fees

Application Fee (non-refundable) $50

Tuition (for 8 credits)* $4,520

Registration and Program Fee $450

Student Health Services (co-pay fee for each visit)** $25

Room & Board Options***

14 Meals per Week $2,104

19 Meals per Week $2,279

*There may be additional fees, such as laboratory fees ($200), for science courses.

**There is a co-pay fee of $25 for each time a student visits Student Health Services.

With the financial aid, there is still a balance of $5749, not including any of the additional fees, travel costs, or spending money for while she is there.  My financial situation has changed since submitting the application and I have recently had to file for bankruptcy.  Not being able to work at my second job due to my broken foot with other complications - a workplace injury at my part time second job - has made it impossible for me to be able finance this program.  It has been truly heartbreaking.  To make matters even more difficult, payment is due on June 01, 2012 - yes, only two more days.  I have spent countless hours this past week scouring the internet trying to find funding sources.  I don't know and haven't been able to find any info on whether or not we can apply for grants and loans that are used to pay for college.  It is very difficult for me asking for money from others like this, especially in the ammount needed, but Katy is so deserving.  Even if you can't help, if you know of other sources that could be beneficial as well and would be much appreciated.

Thanks to all, your support is appreciated more than we could ever begin to properly express!