<p>@zonova, if you are seriously considering physics esp. quantum physics, then Maryland should definitely be on your list. Maryland is a national leader in quantum theory. </p>
<p>[Joint</a> Quantum Institute |](<a href=“http://jqi.umd.edu/]Joint”>http://jqi.umd.edu/)
[Joint</a> Quantum Institute - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Quantum_Institute]Joint”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Quantum_Institute)</p>
<p>this was built in a GIANT hole in the ground in the middle of the campus!
[University</a> of Maryland gets $10.3 million grant to build advanced physics lab - Washington Post](<a href=“http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2010-01-08/news/36856682_1_quantum-computer-physics-lab-joint-quantum-institute]University”>http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2010-01-08/news/36856682_1_quantum-computer-physics-lab-joint-quantum-institute)</p>
<p>and just minutes away and where many Maryland students go for research in applied physics
[The</a> Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory](<a href=“http://www.jhuapl.edu/]The”>http://www.jhuapl.edu/)</p>
<p>^^ Again the problem w/Maryland (which I agree does have an excellent physics program) is the same as with Michigan and UMass. As an OOS student, the OP is likely to get very little FA and not enough merit to offset OOS costs.</p>
<p>Zonova— did you qualifiy as NM semifinalist? </p>
<p>If so, you should read this thread:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/649276-nmf-scholarships-updated-compilation.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/649276-nmf-scholarships-updated-compilation.html</a></p>
<p>While NMFs are quaranteed $22K in merit aid at UR, it’s COA is a $60K–which leaves a big gap to fill. UR is a “meets need” college, but as with all private colleges, it’s the college that defines what your need is. Not you, not your family.</p>
<p>Tufts only offers need-based aid. NMFs get on a token $500 scholarship.</p>
<p>NEU offers NMFs full tuition, I think.</p>
<p>~~~~</p>
<p>If you are seriously considering medical school, it’s important to keep costs and finances in mind. You want to minimize your undergrad loan burden since there is little aid except for loans for medical school.</p>
<p>If you haven’t sat down with your parents and had the college finances talk, it’s important to do so. You’ll need a ballpark figure of the amount they’re willing to guarantee they will give to you for each year of college.</p>
<p>If you and your parents haven’t run the NPC (Net Price Calculators) on colleges’ financial aid websites, esp. the colleges you’d like to attend, then you need to do so. This will give you an idea of how much your family will be expected to pay. If the numbers match up (they can afford what colleges expect)–great! But the reality is that often colleges expect more than families can comfortably afford.</p>