<p>Right now UCs are my main goal because of the cheaper instate tuition. However, the ones I'm aiming for aren't the easiest to get into. At the same time, if for example I don't get into Berkeley/LA, there's a lot of out of state schools (UMichigan for example) that are still ranked higher than the SD/Davis level and offer great programs for my major (poly sci). The problem is though that they are way more expensive so it seems a bit more reasonable to just go to the less prestigious UC. My parents don't really feel like paying the same price as an Ivy (maybe even more since schools like UMichigan don't give great aid to out of state) when I didn't even get into my target schools (Berkeley).</p>
<p>Sorry if I sucked at describing my issue. What would you guys do? Should I just do it anyways and see how financial aid turns out lol? Or is there no point in making a school like that my safety if there's a chance i wont be able to attend due to tuition?</p>
<p>Yes, safeties should be schools you know you can get into AND be able to afford. IMO, SD/Davis are great safeties. Even if they’re ranked lower than UMichigan they’re still really good schools and much more affordable. Here’s a thread that might be useful.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/493318-dont-forget-apply-safety-college.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/493318-dont-forget-apply-safety-college.html</a></p>
<p>Your safeties must be assured in terms of both admissions and financial aid.</p>
<p>Thanks! Hm, well it’s not like we couldn’t afford it completely. I mean, if I got into like Stanford, my parents wouldn’t care and would just pay for it. It’s just for a school that’s not at that level, they’re not as willing. I kind of agree with them too haha.</p>
<p>Stanford offers great need-based aid. If money is an issue then you can call and ask about expected tuition.</p>
<p>But to your original question, yes safeties must be academically and financially a safety. You should also like the school and be happy going there.</p>
<p>The privates that aren’t as well endowed as stanford though- how can I judge how the aid will turn out? The % need met for schools like Georgetown, UMichigan, etc. is usually in the 90s-100s, yet I always read threads on CC of people who don’t attend because they didnt get enough aid.</p>
<p>
This is what the net price calculators are for. They aren’t always spot on, however I don’t think the financial aid office at Stanford is going to work up a package for review of what to expect for a prospective student.</p>
<p>
Each school’s website should have a net price calculator that can help you determine an estimate of what you will pay. This should appear on their financial aid page. If you know your EFC the process is much quicker. What this won’t tell you is how much will be grant’s, how much will be loan’s, etc.</p>
<p>your need is not the same as what they judge your need to be. Also, Michigan is a public school, and out of state students do not often get as much need-based aid at public schools.</p>
<p>Yes definitely. Price of tuition is very important at all levels of schools, even if you are “filthy rich”. </p>
<p>You need to talk to your parents or decide for yourself if the quality/prestige of Michigan (and the other OOS schools) is worth the ~25K cost (plus count airfaire and inconvenience of traveling long distance rather than short)</p>
<p>I was in a similar situation to you, narrowed down my top 3 choices (well, colleges that accepted me at least) to UCLA, UCSD, and Michigan. Crossed off UCLA after I felt that its engineering dept wasn’t as good as the other 2.
I eventually went with UCSD since I just didn’t think that Michigan was worth the 25K more (I didn’t qualify for any financial aid for both schools) or the relative inconvenience for me (I never experienced cold, snowy weather before that I would have at Michigan) and the fact that my parents preferred for me to stay in California.</p>
<p>But this was my situation, and yours may be different. Bottom line, apply for financial aid and the schools, and then when the acceptances and aid info come, then make your decisions. Just think, a $60 app fee can be viewed as miniscule compared to the benefits you will receive from college</p>
<p>As others have said, safeties must be affordable.</p>
<p>A few public schools do have out of state list prices comparable to UC in state list price. Examples include Minnesota and SUNY schools like Stony Brook.</p>
<p>You’ve essentially answered your own question.</p>
<p>You said that your parents will pay for Stanford. Well, guess what? If they can afford to pay for Stanford, then UMich and other schools aren’t likely going to give you one cent…even if those schools do give aid. </p>
<p>You have to QUALIFY for aid. People who can afford to pay full freight to Stanford will not qualify for aid at other schools. </p>
<p>if your parents won’t pay for UMich, then don’t bother. </p>
<p>For a school to be a safety then you need to know FOR SURE that you have all costs covered…either thru ASSURED aid or family funds. If your parents won’t pay, then… no, not a safety.</p>
<p>% of need met at UMich is misleading since UMich promises to meet need for INSTATE students. you’re not instate. Besides, you won’t likely HAVE any need.</p>