Looking for a transfer school - with merit aid

<p>I'm a freshman at UT: Austin who is interested in researching the options I have in transferring. I haven't made a decision yet, and am definitely remaining at UT for at least a year, but I would like to be informed about what's out there.</p>

<p>I had a 4.0 in HS, great extra curriculars, got into Rice, Michigan, Berkeley, Cornell, etc. My essays are excellent and all that jazz, 1500 SAT on Reading/Math. I'm looking for a 4.0 for my first two sem in college, and am convinced I can do it.</p>

<p>I am looking for a different type of school though. 50K is a big number, one I don't know if I like. I am looking for a different type of school I think, a smaller, liberal arts college. I grew up in New York and I think the North East is where I want to go to school. I'm looking for a smaller school, with a more intense intellectual culture. My dream schools are Reed or UChicago, but both are way too expensive. My EFC is way too high to rely on the government for support, my family can only afford about 12k a year in college fees. </p>

<p>What are my options in terms of very intellectual, beautiful, liberal arts schools, that are interested in education. UT is run like a corporation, it's disconcerting.</p>

<p>Help would be deeply, deeply, appreciated.</p>

<p>Rice gives good merit aid- not sure how that works for transfers. I realize it isn't in the northeast, but I think you would like it a lot. Why don't you try to visit?
I can understand how UT would not be the right place for everyone. The type of school you are seeking is generally not going to be inexpensive, and you will need to explore the financial aid options for transfer students. Williams, Colgate, Middlebury, Wesleyan all seem like good choices. They accept very few transfer students, though. Also Swarthmore.</p>

<p>How much more than $12K is your EFC?</p>

<p>I got into Rice, but they didn't give me enough merit aid. My EFC is about 37k, 25k above what we can afford. This is due to my mother recently getting a job and doubling our income. We have a massive amount of debt and can't afford to take on any more.</p>

<p>I don't have to attend a big name college, I want the experience, not the name. Something I love about UT is most of their professors, the majority, went to huge name schools and are now doing research at a public institution.</p>

<p>But you want an intellectual culture. That leaves out a lot of affordable places like other state universities.</p>

<p>:-\ it's all about the money unfortunately.</p>

<p>To be honest with you, the schools you are describing tend to be very pricey. I would apply to U of C and Rice once again, although you're chances of getting a larger financial aid package are probably very slim, especially since you're a transfer student. Have you applied for any scholarships and/or loans?</p>

<p>The problem here, unfortunately, is that merit aid is EXTREMELY limited for transfers. I'm not aware of any "top" schools which offer it, but I could be missing some possibilities.</p>

<p>I'd suggest you search this forum for titles with "merit" and/or start a thread with that specific title yourself. Actually, I'll add that to this title for you... and you can do a search as well.</p>

<p>Most top schools offer need-based, but seldom merit-based.... good luck!</p>