<p>My daughter is deciding between Miami University(Ohio) and Bowling Green(ohio), both state schools, but leaning towards Miami. Miami has offered $1300 in scholarship and BG has offered $3000. Miami's tuition is more expensive by about $3000, so there is really a difference of about $4700. Other costs are roughly comparable. Schools are basically same student population, similiar town settings. Miami's mid-50 percent SAT scores are 3-4 points higher. How do I know if they consider each other rivals for student admissions? Are they comparable in reality and what is the possibility Miami could increase aid somewhat?</p>
<p>If other costs are roughly comparable then your calculation is sound. As for getting an increase at Miami, are the scholarships merit aid or need-based aid?</p>
<p>They’re both merit-based. Our expected EFC is 15k + 3.5k subbed Stafford and 2k unsubbed loans. The rest is gap. BG total cost is 3k less. The small merit-based grants are basically the only difference</p>
<p>Student is probably more desirable to BG than Miami as she’s has 3.6 GPA and 23 ACT. We were concerned that she might be waitlisted, but she did go to a high school with a good reputation for college preparation. How much competition is there between state universities?
Is there a better Ohio comparison?..thanks</p>
<p>Miami probably considers its competition in-state to be Ohio U and OSU, and some privates like U Dayton. I really doubt they consider BGSU to be comparable, but you can ask.</p>
<p>Miami’s mid-50 percent SAT scores are 3-4 points higher.</p>
<p>I think you meant that their ACT scores are 3-4 points higher. (actually it’s 5 points)</p>
<p>Not only are 5 points a significant difference, it’s a big difference in your D’s case. For Bowling Green, her 23 ACT is towards the top of the mid 50s, but at Miami U, her ACT is in the bottom 25%. Frankly, I’m surprised that she received any merit from Miami U. I don’t mean that harshly, it’s just that I’m not used to seeing schools give any merit for students in the bottom 25% of their freshman class, but maybe Miami is different. :)</p>
<p>Bowling Green - mid 50% of freshmen students</p>
<p>SAT Critical Reading: 450 - 580 11%
SAT Math: 450 - 570 11%
SAT Writing: 450 - 550 11%
ACT Composite: 19 - 24 92%</p>
<p>Miami U
SAT Critical Reading: 530 - 630 51%
SAT Math: 560 - 660 51%
SAT Writing: - -
ACT Composite: 24 - 29 83%</p>
<p>I agree with Erin’s Dad. I doubt that MiamiU considers Bowling Green its peer. All publics within a state do not consider themselves peer schools. I don’t think MiamiU will give more merit.</p>
<p>OSU is probably the rival but it’s 3x the size and $3k tuition less than Miami and $1500 less Room & Board in an urban area. Her friend was admitted to OSU with an ACT 22, but again it’s urban and I wouldn’t let my daughter go there. Ohio University only has ACT scores of 2 points higher. It’s campus is not really that nice and Athens near campus is just bars. Bowling Green is updating it’s campus with a couple new residence halls and a new Sports arena by this fall, so it is improving. The profs seemed nice and really interested in the students. You seem to be telling me, I can only compare schools based on ACT scores for determining aid…Thanks for the info</p>
<p>*You seem to be telling me, I can only compare schools based on ACT scores for determining aid…Thanks for the info *</p>
<p>What we’re saying is that many schools do consider scores when putting together scholarship/grant packages. The better the stats, the better the package. Schools like to give the most money to students that help them look good. So, a student with stats that aren’t high for their school isn’t likely going to have a successful appeal for a bigger merit scholarship. </p>
<p>And, a school won’t care if a school with a lower mid 50s range gave your child a better merit scholarship. They would say, “Of course that school gave a better merit scholarship. The student’s stats are higher for that school.”</p>
<p>It sounds like Bowling Green is a good choice for your D. She’s got good stats for the school, which can help a better outcome GPA-wise. She’ll more likely get noticed by her profs, which is a good thing! </p>
<p>What is her major and likely career?</p>