<p>Yes, I am aware that general rankings are different from engineering rankings. I will make sure to check out that magazine though!</p>
<p>Yes, in the past WVU Promise can be applied out of state, but only for majors not offered at WVU (I know kids used it out of state for BME and marine science). They are a little sneaky about it though. I think you have to go through state gov’t workers to get applied out of WV, which might be why it is not online. WV is running out of money, so the Promise Scholarship might change, however that remains to be seen.</p>
<p>@ OP: Just to let you know, Rice is VERY GENEROUS with merit-aid, probably the most out of all the schools on your list. This year, Rice awarded 30 percent of its incoming freshman merit scholarships. Additionally, Rice is very good with need-based aid, but I do not know if you qualify for that.</p>
<p>At this point last year, I was also on the fence of applying to Rice. I was already applying to 12 other schools. I initially removed it off my list, and it wasn’t until December 27th that I decided to send an application. And sending in the application was probably the best decision I have ever made. Not only did Rice admit me, but they gave me two VERY GENEROUS merit scholarships that beat Emory’s offer. Now, my family is basically going to pay $3000 more a year than my state school will cost me (roughly $21k a year). Not only that, but I am going to a school with excellent quality of life, amazing students, and excellent research opportunities. Plus, no other school on your list has as many research/volunteer opportunities in medicine as Rice since none of the other schools can claim to be next to the world’s largest medical center that partners with Rice.</p>
<p>Houston is a very arts-focused city like New York… last time I checked, it was ranked 2nd for the number of theatre productions, right behind New York. I’m sure there is a lot of opportunities to keep up dancing and ballet in Houston.</p>
<p>However, keep in mind that Rice merit-based scholarships are difficult to obtain, but they are easier to obtain, in my opinion, than merit scholarships at the other top 20 universities. Rice doesn’t even require a separate application for scholarships; the admissions office automatically screens you.</p>
<p>Finally, I wouldn’t recommend eliminating a school (Duke) based on your belief that you will not receive financial aid, especially a school with one of the best biomedical programs and balanced work/play atmospheres in the nation. You might be surprised when you get your financial award letter in April. Plus, Duke does offer a few merit-based scholarships that you can apply for, such as Robertson’s.</p>
You’re referring to the Academic Common Market. While I’m not sure how one applies the Promise Scholarship, it is certainly possible to apply for in-state tuition in several other Southern states.</p>
<p>If BME is not offered <em>at all</em> in West Virginia, then you could most likely get in-state tuition at Georgia Tech and UMD College Park. It’s not a complicated process; I looked into it myself when I was applying to schools.</p>