<p>Have the acceptances and now ready to make the final decision. Considering two Liberal Arts Colleges and two Universities. Lafayette College has offered a Marquis scholarship; the U of R has offered a comparable scholarship; Notre Dame has offered a small amount of money, designation as a ND Scholar and work study; Haverford has offered nothing for financial aid. Possible majors would be physics, astro physics, pre-med, biology and/or minor in the classics; would decide on a major in second year. Receiving a National Merit Scholarship; SAT scores are 730M, 790W and 800V; top 5% of class; 11 AP courses with high scores. Willing to work hard and will go on to grad school for medicine, research or to teach at a university. We're visiting all the schools again this month to make that final decision. At the moment, Haverford is a favorite, though we have not visited ND yet. In these challenging economic times, it is difficult to walk away from scholarships. Thoughts? Guidance?</p>
<p>If you’re going into medicine, I think you should go to Haverford… it’s worth it IMO.</p>
<p>I second Luckie’s opinion, unless attending Haverford would create a financial hardship for your family. Have you checked out Haverford’s pre-med programs including their pre-med adviser program?</p>
<p>If you prefer an LAC, then Haverford. It is a really great school, but tiny. If you want the best pre-medicine opportunities or undergrad research opportunities but in a competitive atmosphere, then U Rochester with a med school, research center, and hospital next door. If you are into DI sports, then Notre Dame.</p>
<p>Where are you from? Which state?</p>
<p>We’re from the Rochester, NY area. Our son would live on campus at any of the schools, but going away is sometimes more interesting. Very familiar with the U of R but their astrophysics program doesn’t have much room for electives.</p>
<p>Haverford might have electives in the catalog but how often are they taught?
RIT has a surprisingly good astrophysics program, he might be able to take some electives at RIT and transfer the credit to U Rochester.</p>
<p>The Take 5 program is UR’s answer for many students whose course of study does not provide sufficient time in four years to take more electives.</p>
<p>[Take</a> Five Scholars Program : Center for Academic Support](<a href=“http://www.rochester.edu/college/CCAS/TakeFive/]Take”>http://www.rochester.edu/college/CCAS/TakeFive/)</p>
<p>You’re giving us a lot of things to talk about on the long ride to Notre Dame. I should clarify that our son may want to go into medicine, but he would not take pre-med. He wants to take a variety of courses as an undergrad, but would most likely take courses that would allow him the option of applying to med school if he finds his interests are there. He truly loves Latin, history, the classics, but would probably move to a career in a science area. We want him to explore options and leave room to grow in a variety of directions. He is not active in any sports, but many friends go to ND and love it.</p>
<p>Rochester is a great school and I would opt for the scholarship there.</p>
<p>Med school is $200k+.</p>
<p>In terms of culture, Notre Dame is quite conservative while Haverford is more progressive. Just something to consider.</p>
<p>Our son came home from a visit to the U of R (which he enjoyed; spent time in physics dept) and mentioned that he’d like to let all know that he has not ruled out Colgate and Holy Cross which are also in his mix of acceptances. This has become so confusing for him and for us.</p>
<p>I would not take Colgate or HC over Rochester. In fact, Rochester, Haverford and ND would be my only considerations. Rochester seems to be offering the best package financially and is top 25 in Physics</p>
<p>[NRC</a> Rankings in Physics](<a href=“http://www.stat.tamu.edu/~jnewton/nrc_rankings/area33.html]NRC”>http://www.stat.tamu.edu/~jnewton/nrc_rankings/area33.html)</p>
<p>McQuaid, Aquinas, or Kearney?</p>
<p>I too would narrow it to Rochester, Notre Dame, or Haverford.</p>
<p>Any of the three would be great.</p>
<p>He might have more fun at Notre Dame.</p>
<p>Going to college in your home town might make it difficult to leave high school completely behind. But, I think U Rochester offeres the best research opportunities and pre-med program.</p>
<p>Does the small size at Haverford bother him?</p>
<p>No one has mentioned Lafayette at all. That’s where he’s gotten the best package. Hmmm…</p>
<p>McQ!</p>
<p>Lafayette will prepare you well for a career in medicine. Several of my classmates attended top med schools such as Duke, and others went to schools such as Cal to obtain PHD’s in other scientific fields. Doing well at Lafayette will get you to wherever you want to go. </p>
<p>It is also an LAC so you will have a lot of flexibity to take classes in other areas and explore wide ranging interests. Not so sure that will happen at Rochester or Notre Dame. </p>
<p>Bottom line is that Lafayette grads make money!</p>
<p>[Top</a> Liberal Arts Colleges By Salary Potential](<a href=“2024 College Rankings by Salary Potential | Payscale”>2024 College Rankings by Salary Potential | Payscale)</p>
<p>Mid-career median salary is 107k-- 4th best among LAC graduates.</p>
<p>The choice is yours but Lafayette will offer an education at least as solid as the other options.</p>
<p>Where’s the love for Lafayette? I would strongly consider it: D1 sports, small but spirited campus, close-knit community, great rivalry with Lehigh and top notch academically.
Colgate and Dartmouth are my two favorite schools for undergrad. If your son likes a traditional college experience, please consider Colgate and Lafayette.<br>
All of the schools you mentioned are excellent. It all comes down to the best fit for your son (and family finances).
IMO Haverford > Rochester for pre-med. We’re splitting hairs with these schools, all should give kids great pre-med opportunities.
Congrats on the Marquis Scholarship!</p>
<p>The Patriot League is well represented on that Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges By Salary Potential link: Bucknell, Colgate, Lafayette, Holy Cross</p>
<p>I do have some theories on that-- mostly that these school tend to attract kids that want to pursue careers in business, law, medicine or other high paying fields. Some other top schools seem to attract student that are less money focused or aspire to less lucrative careers.</p>
<p>You have to be smart and have some skill to make money, but more importantly you have to want to make money to make money-- that is reflected here IMO.</p>
<p>As much as I love what Lafayette has done for my daughter – I really can’t picture her anywhere else after this year – I’ve got to admit that no LAC has impressed me more in my travels to college campuses than Haverford. Nice dilemma you’ve got.</p>