So what would you pick?

<p>So far I've been admitted to four colleges(Pitt, Ohio State, UMinnesota-Twin Cities, and Case Western) My top choice is MIT, but considering their acceptance rate, I'll really looking at my other options. The scholarships are pretty even at all, so that's not a question. I'm just wondering which would be the best for me. I know I would like a bigger school with a strong physics/astronomy program but I don't know what else to really look at. Thanks for any input</p>

<p>Do you have any preferences regarding location, research opportunities, nature of the student body, etc? If at all possible, I’d suggest visiting these schools.</p>

<p>Based on your criteria, Ohio State might be the best choice of the four you’ve gotten into. But there is a big gap between those schools and MIT. Have you looked at Penn State, Berkeley, Cornell, and Johns Hopkins? All of those have strong astronomy / physics programs and might be a good middle ground.</p>

<p>Well, I’d like some place with a lot of reserch opportunties. I’d prefer a colder climate, but that’s not the biggest factor. I’ve been trying to come up with schools that are more of a reach for me since I already a. Few schools that I know I could pay for. I just don’t know what would be a stretch, while not being unattainable for me.</p>

<p>GPA: 3.8 something(All AP/ pre ap classes)
ACT: 33
A few EC’s, mostly science/math or black historical organization
Black male in TX</p>

<p>Sent from my MB502 using CC App</p>

<p>University of Washington in Seattle, not really cold like the midwest schools, but cold enough. Easy flight to Dallas/FW. Also Cornell and Michigan.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t necessarily entertain OOS public schools, even if your folks can afford it. You will have some good options, given your stats, URM status, and probably other components within your application. What does your list look like?</p>

<p>How much of a difference in net cost after applying the scholarships and financial aid is there between the schools?</p>

<p>Well, Pitt, UMN are mostly full rides. I got a scholarship at Case, but I’d still have to work. With OSU, I could live with family as most of them are in Ohio. Cornell seems like a pretty cool place, but my stats are no where near that. The only reason I applied to MIT is because I’ve always liked the school and I would never forgive myself if I didn’t give it a shot.</p>

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<p>So for net cost, you mean to say UMN, Pitt < TOSU < CWRU ?</p>

<p>Seems like it would come down to TOSU (best reputation in astronomy and physics) and UMN (better reputation than the others in astronomy and physics, less expensive), so you need to decide whether TOSU’s better reputation and nearness to family and whatever other characteristics are worth the extra cost.</p>