<p>I am having a very hard time deciding which college to attend next fall. </p>
<p>My intended major is Computer Science, and I got into the University of Maryland- College Park with the full prestigious Banneker/Key Scholarship (Tuition, Room, Board, Books). On top of that I would also be paid $3000 a year for the Maryland Distinguished Scholarship if I choose to attend UMD. </p>
<p>My other choice is Cornell University's College of Engineering. This would cost me and my family around $25,000 a year after all aid, considerations, etc., which is still a lot for my family, since my sister is a senior at American University next year, and hopes to attend Medical School in 2011. </p>
<p>I would not hate going to Maryland, but I have always dreamt of the Ivy Leagues. This decision really comes down to the money. </p>
<p>What do you think I should do? I really need some advice.</p>
<p>As much as i love Cornell, I’d say go for the money. My friend chose the banneker key as well, and he seems happy. Plus getting paid to go to college is sweet.</p>
<p>Money AND Cornell are tough to turn down; it does not only work one way. But I hope you are happy with whatever decision you make. I am sure you will be successful at either school.</p>
<p>A year ago I was in exactly your situation, except my alternate choice to Cornell was a little less prestigious. I chose Cornell.</p>
<p>While I’m getting my butt kicked and working hard, I don’t feel like I’d be getting the same education elsewhere as I am here. People say that these classes can’t be any harder and that with Chemistry for example, there’s only so much you can learn about a molecule. Well from seeing what my friends at average schools are doing in their classes, I know for a fact that our work is more challenging. There’s a focus here on learning subject matter, and learning how to think, whereas I think a lot of average schools the emphasis is just on learning the subject matter.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about UMD other than that it’s a good school, but you’re a smart kid obviously and it comes down to what you wanna do.</p>
<p>Something you can also do is try and talk with financial aid. Let them know that you really want to go to Cornell, but that with the current economic situation and all, monetary considerations play a huge role in your school choice, and that if there’s anything they can do to help you out just a little that it would tip you towards Cornell.</p>
<p>Zfanatic makes a good point - explain your situation to Cornell’s financial aid office. In the end, all these places are just businesses that need to make more money than they spend and make wise investments to protect the bottom line and the brand. </p>
<p>If they can offer you a better deal, get a presumably top notch engineer associated with their school, and still get a little money out of you, they may be willing to give you a better price rather than lose you all together.</p>
<p>Just keep in mind - this is a very good problem to have. Many would love to be in your position. Good luck!</p>
<p>Maryland is not Ball State. It is a GREAT university in its own right. I would take the offer at Maryland. Financial stress would be eliminated (trust me you’ll have enough challenges getting through school) and that would allow for better success academically.</p>
<p>Maryland has a top 15 Computer Science department. </p>
<p>Given your family’s financial situation, I think Maryland, which saves you $115,000 over 4 years, is a no brainer. Excel there and go to an Ivy League for graduate school.</p>