Stanford>UW-Madison Full-Ride?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Okay, so now that decisions are out, my parents and I have concluded that I should either go to Stanford (for nearly full-tuition, but I am up for an IHS scholarship which is a full-ride, won't know if I get that until after May 1st) or UW-Madison, at which I have the Chancellor's Scholarship.....</p>

<p>So, first, Stanford has always been my dream school, but, I've never had the chance to visit. I'm going to admit weekend the 23-25, and think I will love it, but my parents just want to make sure I do. Lol. I like Madison, but I HATE the weather and just really want to get out of the Midwest. So, basically, Stanford pwns UW in location and weather. </p>

<p>I hope to go into BME, but of course am not completely sure. I know that Stanford's engineering program is fantastic and, though not as great as Stanford's, Madison's is respectable. </p>

<p>The paying wouldn't be too uncomfortable for my parents, but the times are very tight and unsteady. Plus, if I get that IHS scholarship, I'd be getting a way better deal in Stanford. </p>

<p>So, I'm wondering if you think Stanford is worth committing to even if I don't know if I've got the IHS? Surprisingly, when my mom talked to the head of our IHS branch, he said it's a "really good year to apply". I don't know exactly what that means, but he also said that my application, "looks great". </p>

<p>If I like Stanford during Admit Weekend, do you think it will be worth it to commit without knowing the IHS outcome? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>IMO no high-priced university beats a full ride at Madison, unless you have money to burn.
If I were you, I’d send in the deposit to Madison, and forfeit it if Stanford comes through. The deposit isn’t that much money.</p>

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<p>Go to Stanfordsince money isn’t a big issue though I don’t want you to because I’m waitlisted.</p>

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<p>for what its worth, im in a very similar situation in that i’ve been offered a full scholarship to washington university in st. louis; as of right now, I am definitely leaning towards Stanford. You only experience your college years once; you have the rest of your life to worry about money.</p>

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<p>Yeah. I think I’d be much happier at Stanford (because Madison is huge and, well, cold). And it’s an opportunity that I don’t really want to give up…</p>

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<p>I’d personally go to Stanford. Money isn’t a huge issue and you may get the IHS scholarship. In the worst case scenario, asks both schools if you can double deposit (Stanford will certainly let you if its for financial concerns) and then make the decision on May 1st with the full info in hand. Though, either way, I’d still say go to Stanford.</p>

7

<p>That is for sure a very tough decision to make. I’d say that you should visit Stanford during Admit Weekend and see whether you’d like it or not. After all, now that you’ve convinced Stanford that you’re perfect for them, their job now is to convince you that they’re perfect for you. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Just see how it goes. If you really like Stanford and you can imagine yourself there for 4 years, then the money is clearly worth it, but that won’t be an issue if you indeed get the scholarship. If there’s something that doesn’t sound right about Stanford, settle for UW-Madison. Just go where you want to go. (If I remember correctly, you REALLY wanted to get into Stanford … congrats on getting in!) </p>

<p>Realistically speaking, UW-Madison is already a very fine school. Since Stanford accepted you, you clearly have the potential to go very far in life no matter where you end up at. </p>

<p>And modulation:

Think positively! Waitlisting isn’t the end of the world (it’s better than I got), but we’re supposed to support each other here on CC.</p>

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<p>Thanks for all of the input, but I just wanted to make myself clear: I will not know about the IHS Scholarship until AFTER May 1st…so, I will have to make my decision (or double deposit) before I know if I got it. I think we’re notified end of May/early June, which kind of sucks, but I won’t complain if I get it!</p>

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<p>^Yea I realize that you don’t hear back from IHS Scholarships until after the national deadline (5/1) and that truly sucks. Again, I did say that the money is worth it if you’re really convinced that Stanford is perfect for you. I think that you can make a final decision after visiting Stanford. You won’t get to know a school until you’re actually been to it and interacted with it. That’s why Stanford has the Admit Weekend.</p>

<p>There’s only so much you can learn by researching college rankings, reading Stanford’s websites and brochures, and perusing CC. :D</p>

10

<p>I am a Badger at large, was there for 5 years for grad school. I love Madison, but for you, go to Stanford.</p>

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<p>To ask this question is to answer it.</p>

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<p>I’m also going to say Stanford. If it were 50k at Stanford vs free at Madison, I might have said otherwise, but a possible full ride at Stanford (or at least close to full tuition) for engineering, for someone who wants to live away from the Midwest, its pretty hard to say otherwise.</p>

<p>Btw, while you’re parents should be worried at least a little bit about affording Stanford, remember that financial aid is reassessed each year (also by request i think), just in case your family’s financial situation changes dramatically in the next four years.</p>

<p>So my recommendation: Send in your Stanford deposit, even if IHS doesn’t pull through in the end.</p>

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<p>The input is appreciated, thanks!</p>

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<p>How much is nearly full? If you have to borrow more than 5000-10K per year than go to Madison. I would say like 30K total at most. If it is more than that Madison is awesome.</p>