<p>Both my parents were dirt poor when they applied to college. They took out loans, got grants, scholarships, aid and went to top schools like Georgetown.</p>
<p>My advice? </p>
<p>If Columbia is your dream, don’t let money stand in your way. You can always pay things off as you go. Have you considered student loans? Getting a job to save up? </p>
<p>Both are great schools, but the chance to go to Columbia is amazing. You obviously worked hard and are very intelligent. You deserve to go to a school that makes you happiest.</p>