<p>You mentioned NMTech–which doesn’t offer Biomed engineering or neuroscience, is tiny school in a tiny town. UNM is an entirely different school.</p>
<p>Chris1995: The ChemE program at Minnesota is very competitive (since it is highly ranked). DS is a freshman there and will major as a computer engineering/computer science major. He did receive the OOS waiver so we pay in-state tuition plus $10,000/year from the engineering dept. He had 35 ACT score, 4.36 GPA (weighted) from a highly rated & competitive high school. The admissions counselor told us he knew about the school’s reputation during our lunch with him.</p>
<p>I know many may disagree with this suggestion. But UMASS- LOWELL.</p>
<p>Its Listed as one of the nations best value colleges in 2013</p>
<p>[Forbes:</a> UMass Lowell is a Best Buy in Education](<a href=“http://www.uml.edu/News/press-releases/2013/Forbes-Best-Buy-2013.aspx]Forbes:”>Forbes: UMass Lowell is a Best Buy in Education | UMass Lowell)</p>
<p>As I watch some of the older brothers and sister of kids I go to school with, I listen to their stories as they look for work. and the few that did engineering at Lowell seemed to do OK with finding work. I know its not a real study or anything and just an observation.</p>
<p>So here’s one more data point for your list of possibilities.</p>
<p>MTnest, how does UM’s OOS waiver work? My ACT isn’t a 35, but it is above UM’s average range.</p>
<p>Chris1995: on his account, they charge him the OOS tuition ($9,000+) but then they credit him the OOS waiver ($3,000+) so he ends up paying the in-state tuition. So whatever the amount is between OOS and in-state – they will credit your account the difference. I believe they have frozen the in-state tuition amount so from now on, they will be raising the OOS tuition. The OOS tuition waiver is a great thing since the dollar amount will adjust as the OOS tuition rises :)</p>
<p>How does he like the school?</p>
<p>He likes it except for the hot weather right now! He has made friends with his dorm mates and has joined some clubs. He knew no one prior to attending so I am glad he is settling in :)</p>
<p>Academic wise: he is taking 3 honors classes and an elective. So far they seem OK. The computer science class is not challenging but he can’t test out of it and it is required.</p>
<p>The school looks so nice. I just hope we can afford it.</p>
<p>OP, you DO have a good ACT, but if you are trying to get in the College of Science and Engineering at UMN , I believe the average ACT for the freshman class for the last 2 years was 31 or 32. A 35 or 36 MIGHT get you some scholarship money, but I don’t know if your 31 will. UMN did offer both my NMF sons money ($10,000 p/year and for my second a $5,000-$7000 Bentson scholarship) so if you are/will be a NMF, you will get some money, otherwise I don’t know how generous they are.</p>
<p>S3 is a senior this year, wants to major in Mechanical Engineering, and right now has a 31 ACT. He is applying at Alabama, Minnesota, Iowa State, University of Ohio (if he gets a 32 in October), and Michigan Tech. His safety school will be University of Wisconsin Platteville (which has 60% engineering students) as in-state for us for EVERYTHING (room/board, books, etc.) would be about $15,000. He now has a higher ACT score than the average student so a small scholarship might be possible. I haven’t checked the cost for Illinois students, but on the border of both states, they might waive OOS tuition. Even if they don’t the cost is reasonable.</p>
<p>His safety school will be University of Wisconsin Platteville (which has 60% engineering students) as in-state for us for EVERYTHING (room/board, books, etc.) would be about $15,000.</p>
<p>Kjcph…wouldn’t Bama also be a safety with your son’s scores? With the free tuition plus 2500 per year, wouldn’t the remaining costs also be about $15k or less. </p>
<p>I agree with your point that with the OP’s ACT 31, he’ll not likely get much from UMinn. Being “above average” at UMinn doesn’t translate into merit…not at all. MTNest’s child was well-awarded for his ACT 35. While it may only be a 4 pt difference, as far as UMinn, an ACT 35 is within the top 1-2% oft the school, while an ACT 31 is within the top 25%. Big difference. The school has a good number of students with an ACT 31, but only a small number with an ACT 35</p>
<p>OP since you are in Illinois and want BioME why not apply to UIC instead of UIUC? Thats where the Med school is located, and your stats put you in the top 8%. </p>
<p>You could apply for the honors college & scholarships and would have a good chance of bringing your costs down to a level you can afford</p>
<p>Well I guess we’ll see what happens. I’ll be set wherever I go, but it’d be nice to attend UM. No problem if I can’t though.</p>
<p>Frolic, UIC is too close to home! Lol</p>
<p>no one is saying you have to go home every weekend…and if you are actively studying engineering you will be pretty busy. Think of the travel cost savings</p>
<p>Chris…what is your app list of reaches, matches, and financial safeties?</p>