<p>my d is has a choice between penn, brown, duke and stanford. d likes all four very much. in addition, she has a full tuition scholarship to our top state school. No fin aid. LT goal is law or business school. will study social sciences</p>
<p>Q1: are the elite schools worth it?
Q2: which one?
Q3: ideas/tips on how to ensure d make max effort over next four years to contribute financially to her eduaction</p>
<p>What is your top state school and do they have honors college? This makes a huge difference in the "is it worth it?" question. Can you elaborate?</p>
<p>UC system</p>
<p>Yes to a form of honors college</p>
<p>Congrats on great acceptances.
I just talked to a recent UCB graduate now working in the CA legislature regarding educational issues. He agrees that it takes 5 years for many UCB students to graduate because of being shut out of courses they need to graduate but that the situation is acute in some fields and not a problem in others. If honors college gives students priority in enrolment, this issue may be moot. Otherwise, it's something to factor in.
If there is no finaid at the Ivies, I suggest going to UCB. Save the money for law school or business school.</p>