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Agreed mom2collegekids. He is in a class now prepping to retake in October in hopes to bring up that CR score. They are working on the finances so that they can use the net price calculators and get a better feel for where they might fall in the F/A world. And or course to know how much merit he would need to be able to attend without F/A.
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<p>He needs to also take the ACT. He needs to prep the Science section since that will be new to him. </p>
<p>Is the 4hr req’t strict? If the parents end up with an unaffordable EFC or the student’s list includes schools that will likely gap him, then he needs to expand his geography. </p>
<p>His GPA will be an issue for merit at a number of schools that require a 3.75+. However, there are schools that are farther away that will give him substantial merit if he just increases his M+CR a bit (or similar ACT). The costs involved with being further away could be mitigated by a much larger merit award.</p>
<p>Well, definitely mention the possibilities of huge merit outside that limitation. They may have that 4hr mindset because they think that they will barely be able to pay college costs, much less any air-travel. I would think that they would rather contribute - say $13k per year and have to pay for some air travel - then pay $30k+ per year and drive 4 hours.</p>
<p>And remind them that “dollar amount awards” diminish in value as tuition costs rise. It is better to get an award that is “full” or “half” tuition …that rises with each year’s increase…then to get a $10k award that means less with each year’s tuition increase.</p>
<p>Not sure if the cost of flights, ease of travel or sense of security is the reason for the driving restriction. I will mention the possibility of more merit $ if willing to travel further.</p>
<p>Yes, mention the possibility of bigger merit scholarships in other regions. However, do not be surprised if parents have geographic restrictions that are unrelated to cost constraints.</p>
<p>You are right ucbalumnus. Especially since this is their first leaving the nest. Though, I have had two go through this and I still am more at ease when they are closer to home. Something about being able to get there in a flash without having to depend on airlines gives a little peace of mind. When DD was overseas, I got used to it, but it wasn’t my favorite feeling. </p>
<p>I would not use York as the only safety unless they get a clear picture of Co-ops. </p>
<p>I have heard from a family that the program demands co-op as a grad requirement but does not aid the students to get it. I am not convinced the family telling me did all they could thru the school. The family had a cousin at Drexel. Drexel spoon feeds the kids thru the process and is very hands on with being certain resumes are up to snuff, etc. Could be that the family expected too much of York and thought York would do all the legwork.</p>
<p>Rowan is a strong program. Mr. Rowan’s family continues to be involved in the school and take personal interest in the engineering department. I have great respect for the Rowan family.</p>
<p>However, it is relatively expensive, with poor financial aid (even in-state) and not a lot of merit scholarships. Don’t see why a New Jersey resident on a limited budget would choose it over Rutgers or other New Jersey publics.</p>
<p>Drexel is not likely to offer substantial merit for a 3.5, even with a 770 math score. Same with Case, where he might not even get in depending on the quality of the HS and the rigor of his curriculum. The D3 golf may be the limiting factor here. Is he being recruited? Is he really good? If so, that hook should be used at some schools that could come up with “merit money” if they really want him.</p>
<p>The kids I know that have gone to York have much weaker stats so this kid could do quite well or could be frustrated. </p>
<p>Worcester Polytech in Mass may be a good choice and may offer merit scholarship. I believe OOS publics are not very generous with Fin Aid or merit aid.</p>
<p>Sax: What was this kid’s GPA and high school rank? The OP kid does not have a 1550. My son had similar stats to original kid (slightly lower but over 700 in math and 650 CR) and got almost nothing - and we live in a district that is considered to have a very good competitive high school. Not saying it is not worth a shot, but wouldn’t count on it. </p>
<p>^^Worcester Poly Tech is much harder. Engineering programs are tougher admit than other majors. WPI would not necessarily be a better fit over so many others that were mentioned where the 3.5 gpa may be easier admitted. This thread has now given him at least 20 schools to look at and zone in on. Several in and around NY and NJ. Btw: kids going to York with weaker stats…were they in engineering??? </p>
<p>@sax
The gpa may be an issue even with a high SAT. A number of schools require a high GPA (3.7+) to go along with the high test scores when awarding merit…especially when awards are competitive. </p>
<p>However, there are schools that will award to a 3.0+ or a 3.3+ or a 3.5+…along with high test scores.</p>
<p>It’s tough the way kids report their merit money on CC. They used to put everything in one thread and it was easy to compare. Now…not so much.</p>
<p>Drexel is overpriced. Probably to increase prestige. Then they hand out money. Only need a 2.7 to keep scholarship. They also allow students who do well to get a concurrent masters degree. That and co ops that lead to good/ great jobs and pay about $15000 + each CO OP make it a decent choice. </p>
<p>I’d still go to Rutgers if it is much cheaper.</p>
<p>Sax: No way that was merit aid at Drexel unless he had some kind of hook (based on my experience). Since it was not your kid, you really don’t know what the package was or the basis for the award or the reality of the situation. That is a lower end of the SAT for Drexel </p>
<p>I am basing this on naviance at my HS and on the kids I know that went. not sure of majors. YMMV. </p>
<p>I think the Golf is a strong preference. In that case, York would be a better fit than Rutgers. He might have a shot at Rutgers engineering, but it depends on the basis for the 3.5 (and how the HS grades). Some HS seem to give a 1 point advantage to honors or APs so a 3.5 seems low, but others give less extra weight. He also may have a higher GPA if just math and science classes are looked at, which is more important in engineering. </p>
<p>I could be wrong about WPI. Just seemed less popular than Drexel so might be worth a look. </p>