Williams probably expects at least a couple thousand student contribution from summer work as part of the FA package (generally to cover personal expenses/travel).
Maybe they want to test your dedication/determination to go to med school. Like if you decide to go to an expensive college just because your parents are paying for it & because they say they wont pay for medical school, that could show to them that maybe you just want to go to an expensive school. And maybe if you explain to them that you want to go to UofR because you’ll be in debt in medical school, they’ll understand that going to med school is an actual goal of yours? I don’t know, just throwing around some theories.
@seagreensoul It is never a smart idea to add some confusing over-involved story story to an already complex situation. Parents don’t usually play these types of games with their kids, unless it’s a TV drama.
OP - go to Williams/Bowdoin/Carleton. You may or may not go to medical school, and your parents may or may not use the money to pay for medical school, most likely not. If you decide that you do not want medical school, like most pre-meds, or decide to work for a few years before going back to medical school, you will do best at the schools whose graduates make the most money.
If your parents had said “here is $70,000, use it for whatever schooling you decide”, UoR would be the best choice. But likely the $68,000 will not be available for medical school.
If you’re dependent on your grandfather to pay for college and the money isn’t set aside then I’d consider taking the full ride. How will you pay if you get part way through college and something happens to Grandpa?
^Two words: Estate planning.