<p>^^^ he’s kinda cute, that’s why:0</p>
<p>OP: Are you sure you wouldn’t qualify for FA at Princeton? Their calculations are really (really!) generous, as they don’t calculate assets the way most of the Ivys do, Columbia in particular. If you didn’t apply, maybe you could take a look and see if you qualify.</p>
<p>What’s USC’s condition to continue the scholarship (minimum GPA)? I read somewhere the GPA requirement was tough to meet.</p>
<p>To OP: This must be a very tough decision. In terms of practicality and money, it is USC all the way. Between the ivys, tbh I’d choose Princeton over Columbia, but I saw that your D is nominated as one of the scholars at Columbia (SRF), which not only enhances your fin.aid but also provides you with ideal environment for science research (I know this well, being one of them lol). It makes you feel special and cared for, even in a highly bureaucratic institution like Columbia. Also, I know many friends (who are scholars at Columbia) who turned down HYPS (though not so common among the non-scholars). This makes it even harder to decline any of the three colleges .
In short, Here is my two cents: if money (and med school tuition) concerns you, USC seems a wiser choice. But, if you’re willing to forgo money for prestige + better education (though HOW much better is a question left unanswered and for your D to decide), your D should go for either Princeton or Columbia (which is a tough choice, for it is actually Princeton vs Columbia + science scholar). If you have any more questions regarding SRF, feel free to PM me :)</p>
<p>USC. Save that 200k for medical school.</p>
<p>I am from the East Coast and know schools there well. My knowledge of USC was from when I was applying to college which was, uh, hm, a while ago! My daughter was selected as a trustee scholar at USC which is full tuition for 4 years. We visited for her trustee scholar interview. I am so impressed with what this school has become from the administration’s commitment to USC becoming an august university to how engaged, articulate and happy the students (and faculty) we met were. This is a fast rising star. That said, she was also accepted to Stanford. Bottom line–which of these schools or any other two are a better fit and what is the 2012 reality of the classroom and campus learning experience vs. “reputation” which probably carries a decade delay from current conditions?</p>
<p>USC, hands down. Few people can pay 200K (closer to 240K right?) without feeling it even a little. USC is a good enough school where it wont be looked down on in contrast with an Ivy - med school admissions will especially note that she was on a full scholarship there, which will even put it on par with an Ivy. </p>
<p>Med school is expensive, no matter where you go. (as far as i know, scholarships are much rarer for med school, and grants are not really a part of finaid since finaid is based on the student’s finances, not the parents…and pretty much all students are poor). Save the money for med school, plus she will be near home, which is an advantage in many ways. And dont take advice from high schoolers that say that a quarter-million dollar ivy degree will “pay for itself” - it’s all monopoly money for kids who arent actually bearing the brunt of debt yet.</p>
<p>If you could pay for princeton or columbia with no effort, than go for it. Its now more like 240,000 - not 200,000.</p>
<p>If you are saying all your savings would be needed to pay for it - then how can you
be thinking about this. You have a 2nd daughter entering college, and your oldest wants to go to medical school. That wont happen if there’s no funds. </p>
<p>Enjoy USC nearly free ride! Good school and good placements into medical school.</p>