<p>I am in high school planning to be a Physics, Astronomy or Nuclear engineering major, (haven't decided which I love more yet), and I am trying to decide where to apply. I am looking at schools in the Midwest, for financial reasons, among others.<br>
I am considering University of Chicago, but I am not sure if I will have a good chance of being admitted. I am aware of the school's strong physics programs, but I am not sure if it is worth the price-tag.
I am also considering UW Madison. I have talked to a few alumni and they seemed to love the school. Obviously, it would be much financial worry for my family and I. Also, from what I can tell from reading, the school seems very strong in nuclear engineering and physics.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any insight on these schools and their respective physics programs or other suggestions of schools in the Midwest?</p>
<p>We’re in need of more information too. What’s your GPA? Your class rank? Your test scores? What can you afford? What characteristics of a school matter to you (besides offering your major)?</p>
<p>It’s essential to figure out financing before you create your list. No sense in applying to schools you can’t afford. Choosing a college is like buying a car, don’t bother looking at the Mercedes show room when your budget only buys a Honda. So run some calculators to see where your family stands.</p>
<p>I am very interested in physics and other physical sciences, but I also enjoy geography, music and German. I have a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.1 weighted, so I am #1 in my class. I have a 30 composite on the ACT, which I can hopefully raise. My parents make close to 100k/yr. total, but my dad will be out of work for at least 8 months of this year, so things are not great. I am not exactly sure how much my parents can contribute (and I have not yet completed the FAFSA),but I know it is not more than $10,000/yr.</p>
<p>Are you instate for UWisc? If not, that school won’t likely be possible. I’m not even sure it would be possible as an instate student since you might be expected to pay more than than your family can pay.</p>
<p>What do you mean by saying that your Dad won’t be working for 8 months this year? Does that mean their income will severely drop? If so, to what? </p>
<p>Talk to your parents about what they can afford. My concern is that your EFC may drop for the first year, but then be high after that.</p>
<p>I am considering University of Chicago, but I am not sure if I will have a good chance of being admitted. I am aware of the school’s strong physics programs, but I am not sure if it is worth the price-tag.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that YOU can’t borrow much on your own. You’re limited to:</p>
<p>5500 frosh
6500 soph
7500 jr
7500 sr</p>
<p>I am a Minnesota resident, so I would pay a little more than the Wisconsin resident tuition. </p>
<p>My dad had a stroke in January, so he will probably be out of work until the fall. My family’s income will probably be cut in half for 2012. As of now, I know that I need to look at some price calculators and talk to my parents about financing.
I am also interested in the differences between the academic programs at the two schools.</p>