It’s a no-brainer. Go to GA Tech. You can’t afford to go to Harvard. Even if (that’s a BIG “if”) you managed to get the private loans to pay for Harvard, the debt would sabotage your future. You have to take out private loans to complete medical school. With $80k or more in undergraduate, you’d be turned down. The last thing you want is to be a medical school dropout with $150k in student loan debt. As long as you have top grades and a high MCAT score, it won’t matter which school you graduate from. It’s hard to get into medical school either way.
If it has been a life long dream of yours then do not let it slip away. Money can always be replaced but opportunity cannot, especially at $80k, a far lower amount than a Harvard grad’s mid career earning/yr. After all, what is the point of making money? its to have good life experience—and if Harvard College is once in a lifetime experience you always wanted then give yourself no reason to regret. Keep us posted on what you finally decide. Good luck!
Vandy sounds like a great opportunity. Your folks will pay 15k. Costs outside of tuition will be approx 20k. That leaves 5k for you of which you can easily pay for with a combination of summer jobs and a small loan in your name (I believe you can get 5500, 6500, 7500, 7500 over four yrs.
Vandy is an excellent school for your academic interests. It is chock full of brilliant kids so you will have that “Harvard type” experience, and it is known for having very happy students (per the quality if life rankings).
Being a super selective school (15% category), Vandy will also help satify any prestige issues you may be dealing with. Tough to say no to Harvard.
Congrats on your admissions choices. Incredible job.