<p>CPT- I agree with your thoughts. My whole original post was to see what people’s experiences were and to see if they came up with any ‘gems’ I had missed. I am not as concerned about which schools have their own equestrian program…for eventing, D2 is likely on her own to find a barn and instruction…very few colleges have a true eventing team. I will definitely look into Va Tech a little closer, and also Mt. Holyoke and Goucher, and was glad to hear people were mentioning Maryland too. </p>
<p>The whole vet school thing is another wrinkle, but D2 is already pretty on top of it with regards to requirements, application process, etc…</p>
<p>No disrespect, wismom, I cannot for the life of me understand why the location of the applicant’s undergraduate institution should matter. Public universities’ most basic function to educate residents of the state so that the state will have qualified teachers, lawyers, nurses, occupational therapists, business executives, etc. Having some kind of loyalty prize that gives an admissions advantage to some taxpayers over others, based on where they went to college, just doesn’t square with that mission–at least, not any way I can see.</p>
<p>Sikorsky, from my experience when I went to college the majority of kids who attended our state vet school were accepted from undergraduate public colleges in our state. That may simply be because the majority of the students in our state, regardless of their stats, tend to stay in state for college. I am simply relaying that I would check into it before assuming otherwise. To me it’s no different then some people suggesting certain high schools or colleges are feeder schools to other colleges or grad schools.</p>
<p>CDK, if your D’s scores are up there, my observations this past college apps season has been that the Catholic schools are the ones, as a group, with the best merit money. I know several kids getting close to a full ride from such schools without grants coming close to that from other like colleges. My son, whose test stats were definitely mediocre got some merit offers, though not substantial from some Catholic colleges. My other son with high stats got his largest scholarships (which was about half cost) from Catholic schools. If the equestrian stuff is not an issue,look at the list of schools that have a lot of merit money offered. USN^WR has a list in the front pages of their big book, I know. Schools like Denison, GW seem to have some nice awards. Also we have a section here of automatic merit awards. Also look at how momfromtexas looked for full ride awards and use her methodology for schools and programs that offer merit money.</p>
<p>I second the look at Mississippi State…we have been VERY pleased with the aid my D got there.</p>
<p>I’m not sure what state you are in - it may be possible that your state has a program that will allow in-state tuition at an out-of-state school for majors not offered in your state.</p>