<p>Mom-</p>
<p>First off, thanks for the paperwork tip. Oh, yea, Dad all over that. He was a NM as well, and knew the importance of the deadlines. We did submit his SAT of 2100 to the corp, as well as turn in all his paperwork.</p>
<p>No, son does not want to become an MD. This has been a big issue with our college search, as many schools gear the bme programs toward premeds. We’re looking for a school where he can actually get a job as a bme. It would be wonderful if he could do so with just a BS, but we’ve been warned that that field would require a graduate degree.</p>
<p>So, we do have to save some money for grad school, living expenses, travel, for longer than your usual four year college. Even if son was lucky enough to get a stipend as a TA for grad school, those would be hard to cover rent, food, travel. </p>
<p>Glad you brought up that you do have to pay some things. You know, other parents and college reps will paint you a very rosy picture of how “it pays to come here”, but would be great to hear from the horse’s mouth what the reality is. </p>
<p>Believe me, I’m not complaining. I am very grateful that there are colleges like Bama that do reward good students after all their hard work. </p>
<p>I would like the “skinny” though on what the real price tag is for Bama, even with all the bells and whistles, including the engineering scholarship. </p>
<p>So, if you wouldn’t mind giving me an honest ballpark figure for the best case scenario, I would appreciate it. And remember, the kids do have to eat! I didn’t see board included on your list, just room. But that might have been just an oversight. And don’t forget all those fees they all like to tack on!</p>