<p>Some statistics, first:
-35 ACT
-10 AP Classes
-no grade lower than a 93 since Freshman year
-4.3/5 GPA
-5 on Calculus AB, 4 on Chemistry, 5 on Language
-Student Body Treasurer
-Founder Mock Trial
-top math student at school
-Space and Science Camp Counselor
-Un-named Observatory Volunteer
-job teaching children about engineering with Lego's
-etc.</p>
<p>Regardless, one of my main interests is Science and, more specifically, space and science communication. My wants for a school:</p>
<p>-east of Boulder, Colorado
-minimal graduating debt
-have decent physics/chemistry/aerospace program
-moderate climate
-not hinder ability to get into good graduate school</p>
<p>Schools like University of Texas at Austin, most schools in California, Rice, University of Hawaii, University of Colorado Boulder are some of what I am looking for, graduate program-wise.</p>
<p>honestly, truly, I would appreciate any bit of help you could give regarding this. Thank you for taking the time to read. </p>
<p>Don</p>
<p>Well I don’t have a full list for you but I’ve been looking at Miami (FL) and it would fit what you’ve described. You’d be eligible for anything from half off tuition to a full ride possibly, without those it’s very pricey though. Duke gives great scholarships which you could be competitive for, just my two cents. Nice work do far and good luck!</p>
<p>Can you check with someone in the graduate programs you like and see what sort of undergrad schools are represented? It might take a little bit of networking. Some are open about such info and others are not. For the latter, if you can find a student there, they can often give some info about their peers.</p>
<p>Air Force if you’re into the whole military thing. MIT might also be a good option.</p>
<p>I would probably apply to an ivy or two if I was in your shoes.</p>
<p>are the Ivies financial aid as good as they try to make it out to be?</p>
<p>and that’s a good idea, trying to network with those guys. I’ll give it a shot. </p>
<p>I really appreciate the help; all suggestions are welcome and just talking about it is really encouraging to me.</p>
<p>Financial aid estimates can be gotten by going to each school’s web site and searching for the “net price calculator”.</p>
<p>Presumably, you want to major in physics, astrophysics, or astronomy? Or are you looking more at aerospace engineering?</p>
<p>What is your state of residency? If you are in a WUE state, note that University of Hawaii offers WUE tuition (1.5 times in-state tuition) for WUE residents, but the University of California campuses do not (and are quite expensive for out-of-state students). University of Arizona offers WUE tuition only for the mining engineering major, not physics or astronomy.</p>
<p>[WICHE</a> - Student Exchange Programs](<a href=“http://wue.wiche.edu/search_results.jsp?searchType=all]WICHE”>http://wue.wiche.edu/search_results.jsp?searchType=all)</p>
<p>Stony Brook and Minnesota may be worth a look for physics, with a somewhat lower out of state list price. Texas A&M would be relatively inexpensive if you make National Merit Finalist.</p>
<p>I live in Tennessee, currently. I haven’t decided between aerospace, Physics or Chemistry. More likely is Aerospace. </p>
<p>What does WUE stand for?</p>
<p>^ Google works (or you could click on the link supplied) - Western Undergraduate Exchange. Since you’re from TN it doesn’t apply. </p>
<p>Great stats. How much can your family afford? Even with your scores it’s not certain you’ll get anything from Texas or the CA schools (most public Us don’t provide $ to out of state students).</p>
<p>My parents can pay for nothing to very little. </p>
<p>I live near Vanderbilt, which is definitely a really nice school and one that I will apply to. Especially since Tennessee students get the HOPE scholarship, $6,000 a year for going to a Tennessee school.</p>