Chance/match me - Nerdy HS sophomore [MN resident, 3.92, math major, < $25k (EFC $30-35k)]

Chance Me / Match Me!
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For a school that shares attributes with your current group of choices, research Harvey Mudd.

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Understand that most schools will not give you a package in which need-based aid and merit aid combine to get you under your expected family contribution as they calculate it. At best, the additional merit will replace loans that would otherwise have been part of your package. It’s rare for a school to let you keep enough need-based aid to put your out-of-pocket under what they have determined that you can pay. If your aid is all merit, and you get enough to get below your EFC, all good!

But, if you can get within 5-10K of what you can afford, with no-loan aid (or merit replacing loans), then adding loans to fill the gap wouldn’t be too extreme. The problem comes if your package already includes loans and then you need more debt to get to your budget.

UMN is an excellent flagship, and you’d be able to find your nerdy tribe there. If this is the worst case scenario, you’re in great shape! The challenge will be finding other schools that will be both preferable and affordable.

Prep for your PSAT! If you clear the National Merit threshold, it will open up options where you could attend for free or nearly so. UT Dallas, for example, is a nerdy STEM school with a full ride for NMF.

You’re doing great, and you’ll have options - UMN could end up being your best option, but it’s a great school!

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I went back and forth about suggesting Mudd, because I’m afraid it could land in the same unaffordable category as CMU. But if the NPC is favorable, it could be a great fit. There’s also Pomona, which is typically more generous than Mudd, and would give access to the course offerings of both schools.

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UMN is an excellent choice for math major.

If you want other affordable choices with great math programs, look into public schools that offer special honors math programs and where you can get merit. Such programs may offer small honors classes (including math analysis, abstract algebra, etc.), access to graduate level classes and research opportunities

You will likely be able to get under 25K at

  1. Michigan State University which offers Advanced Math major.
    Mathematics | Michigan State University
    MSU RO: Academic Programs:Mathematics, Advanced - Bachelor of Science
    Besides merit, you may also get into their paid Professorial Assistantship for the first 2 years
    https://honorscollege.msu.edu/programs/research-opportunities/professorial-assistantship-pa-program/
    Undergraduate learning assistant position is another way to earn a bit more money and add to your resume.

  2. UTK also has a small honors math program (by invitation only)
    Why UT Math Honors is worth reading no matter which school you end up attending
    Department of Mathematics | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
    There is an additional small departmental scholarship for incoming freshman that you may apply for

Regarding your awards, Mathcounts is a middle school competition and won’t count. If you meant that the team you coach made it to the state level, include it as part of your EC.

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If you would like to research some additional colleges that may offer notably collaborative math departments, look into Williams, Amherst, Hamilton and Haverford. If any of these colleges sound as if they may be of interest, you can explore their social atmospheres through a variety of sources.

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