<p>it seems that Columbia offers pretty good aid if you really fight for it. That's ok for me becuase I just want to make sure that I include other factors in choosing colleges!!</p>
<p>thanks guys!!</p>
<p>I got in early and I have a lot more grant than my friend who got in regular. He had all loans and he decided not to take it. Well, I'm Canadian, which means that Columbia Aid is need-based so I got what I asked for.</p>
<p>Let me put it this way: It's probably better than at Yale but worse than at Princeton. It's not as though it'll break your back, though, even if they do give you some loans. The long term investment definitely pays off, so getting in is the main thing you should focus on.</p>
<p>pearfire, thanks.
you did mention that Yale's financial aid is not as good as schools such as Princeton, do you know anything about schools such as UPenn, Duke, Northwestern, Brown, and Harvard???</p>
<p>or is there a rank for financial aid somewhere??</p>
<p>In general, I think Princeton and Harvard are considered the best. Then it becomes blurry.</p>
<p>
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In general, I think Princeton and Harvard are considered the best. Then it becomes blurry.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>the only reason they are considered "best" is because they have phased out loans which is what columbia is doing over the next few years (there's a spec article on it from last fall if someone wants to find it)</p>
<p>Right, so as of right now, they are "the best" of the Ivies.
Isn't Davidson 100% grants also?</p>
<p>what's the difference between the college's loans and taking loans yourself? lower interest?</p>
<p>no college loans money, instead they will usually provide a list of outside agencies that will do loans. this can include private banks or even the government.</p>
<p>any good "student" loan just means you dont have to start paying it back until you are graduated from school (and usually interest doesnt accrue until then either)</p>
<p>edit: here is the link i was citing <a href="http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2006/09/19/News/Cu.Trades.Loans.For.Grants-2284572.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2006/09/19/News/Cu.Trades.Loans.For.Grants-2284572.shtml</a></p>
<p>
[quote]
no college loans money, instead they will usually provide a list of outside agencies that will do loans.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This is wrong, as to Columbia. I got some Columbia Institutional Loan one year for a couple grand. They had some outside agency manage it, but they're the lenders.</p>
<p>"UPenn, Duke, Northwestern, Brown, and Harvard??? "</p>
<p>I hear Penn isn't that generous. Duke's alright, but not great either. No clue about Northwestern. Brown isn't too generous either. I think Harvard is 2nd only to Princeton. You just can't beat Pton when it comes to finaid.</p>
<p>haha I absolutly agree with that. But I do need to apply to more that just Princeton ;) I wish I didn't</p>
<p>Well, have you started looking for oustide scholarships? Pay a visit to your GC, she/he will have plenty of info for you and assist you, if your school is any good.
Also, what's the financial status of your parents? If they make 60K or less, you won't have to contribute much. Pton and Harvard will probably give you a full ride, Columbia will have you contribute, maybe 5-8k... Get a part-time job while at college, it not only gets you some money but also looks good on your resume.</p>
<p>ya my parents are around the 60K line.
I guess the good thing is that they are willing to pay. 5-8K would be ok with them. My parents care about getting the best education the most, so I think even if Columbia does not offer me a full ride, I will still go :)</p>
<p>also a little off topic, but I want to do pre-med and was wondering how it is for undergrad?</p>
<p>The sad thing is that even if your EFC is around 5-8K, your miscellaneous I think would be greater!</p>
<p>yes I know. But those fees could be covered with scholarships right??
also my parents' intend is to pay for up to 15K for me.</p>
<p>"also my parents' intend is to pay for up to 15K for me."</p>
<p>That's very good news, you don't need to worry then.</p>
<p>Pre-med for undergrad in general or at Columbia?</p>
<p>well I intend to do pre-med, but I think Columbia doesn't offer "pre-med" as a major, so I would do Chemistry.</p>
<p>to answer the question that was asked way earlier about aid for subsequent years at columbia:</p>
<p>i had my efc met again this year with no loans. (my efc did go up according to the gov't but i intend to argue that it shouldnt have, i'll let you know how that goes)</p>
<p>Good to hear, champ!</p>