<p>So I don't really even know what I want to major in. I'm a senior in high school right now and all I know is I love math. I'm taking Calculus 3 with my high school enrolled at U of I, as well as AP Statistics. I got a 5 on my BC Calc exam and therefore a 5 on my AB subscore as well.
I've always kind of planned on being an actuary, and I'm interested in finance, at the same time, math is my strongest asset and I don't want to not ever take another math class after Calc III. I see U of I offers courses like linear algebra applied to finance and things like that- I dont know what kind of major would involve that class but that's the type of thing that interests me. Basically my major and minor would probably be some combination of Actuarial Sciences, Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics.</p>
<p>I want to have fun in college, and I know they're both alright schools party-wise but obviously Madison takes the cake there. </p>
<p>Then again, I live in Illinois and my parents locked in the tuition rates for UIUC a couple years back which is a HUGE factor, but they want the best possible college for me so it's not a determining one. </p>
<p>Think I can get any scholarships to either place? I'm well off but I have a 35 ACT (36superscored) and over a 4.0 - only real extracurricular though is rugby... </p>
<p>You have your interests and you’re a smart guy…I wouldn’t worry too much about actual major at this point.</p>
<p>I’d definitely apply to both UW and UIUC. No need to fret about making a decision until you have all your acceptances and financial aid offers on the table…the choice will become more clear when you’re dealt your entire hand of cards. </p>
<p>Right now, I’d look into some other college options you may want to apply. You have great academic stats and could probably get some merit scholarships at some universities. Search this board for colleges that offer merit scholarships.</p>
<p>^ Before answering that, answer these questions:</p>
<ol>
<li>How much are you and your family comfortable spending per year to send you to college? You mentioned they locked in rates at UIUC…is that through a 529 savings plan? Can they use that money for other schools?<br></li>
<li>What is your yearly family income? [If low to mid and not super high, some Ivies and top privates may be cheaper than even your in-state public].</li>
<li>What kind of college environment do you prefer? Large public with top sports or a smaller, more intimate environment?<br></li>
</ol>
<p>This info will help the board provide suggestions.</p>
<ol>
<li>Well basically my family is probably comfortable paying maybe 11k a year for me? My dad did not do a 529 plan he invested in what’s called ‘College Illinois!’ which meant he pretty much prepaid for college 5 years ago, when tuition rates were nearly identical between illinois public colleges, so now I can go to any college in Illinois for that 6k a year or whatever it was that he paid 5 years ago even though U of I, for example is way more expensive than that now. The program doesn’t work like that anymore, so we kind of got lucky if I do decide to go in Illinois. </li>
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<p>The thing is, I would TOTALLY be willing to take out student loans to make up the difference of whatever my family can’t cover, I really don’t want to rule anything out because of money:/ I want to choose the perfect college.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>My family makes ~120k a year</p></li>
<li><p>I DEFINITELY prefer large with sports. I’ve visited U of I and Madison and I like both campuses but UWM is prettier for sure, and I love the environment there ( don’t get me wrong I don’t mind U of I)</p></li>
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<p>Sorry for the triple post, but do you think there’s any chance I could attain this scholarship to Wisconsin based on my somewhat lacking credentials? I’m guessing I need more than a 35 ACT and rugby to be considered</p>
<p>UIUC will likely be your cheapest option, especially with your prepay. Still, I would apply to Wisconsin and maybe Michigan or Northwestern as well and see what kind of financial aid they’ll offer.</p>