<p>I got into all these schools and I have no idea where to go. I know this is just for undergrad, so I don't think that choosing one over the other will greatly compromise my education. Stanford is my dream school, but they gave me basically no financial aid. USC and UCLA are close to home, which would be nice. They would also be cheaper for me to attend. I am majoring in biological sciences and would like to become a doctor, which is why I'm hesitant about the costs of Stanford. Also, Stanford doesn't have a great study aboard program and takes almost no Advanced Placement credit. And it doesn't have club basketball or volleyball, which I am very interested in. Opinions please!</p>
<p>Stanford obviously wins in terms of prestige, but I would certainly be wary of accumulating large amounts of debt for UG if you plan on also going to med school.</p>
<p>I assume you're in-state for UCLA and recieved a lot of merit FA at usc?</p>
<p>I like UCLA!!! But Stanford would be my choice if you can afford Stanford..</p>
<p>I got more financial aid at USC than Stanford and I wouldn't have to live on campus if I went there, so it would be cheaper</p>
<p>rocketsummer,</p>
<p>Stanford is the strongest academically by a fairly noticeable margin. However, funding is an issue. What options do you have for appealing the funding? Have you looked into alternative sources of funding?</p>
<p>Actually, Stanford has an excellent study abroad program. There are nine or ten Stanford centers around the world (Oxford, Paris, Santiago, Kyoto, Berlin, Sydney, maybe somewhere in Italy, Beijing, and more I can't remember) where you can go for a quarter with a smallish group of other Stanford kids and take classes that count directly towards Stanford credit. I believe you also pay exactly the same tuition.</p>
<p>Be warned, though, that the quarter system makes doing non-Stanford abroad programs (which tend to run on semesters) a nontrivial undertaking.</p>
<p>Wait... Stanford's on quarters?</p>
<p>Huh...no wonder all the Stanford grads seem to do well at UC grad schools.</p>
<p>The study abroad program at Stanford isn't horrible, but is very limited compared to UCs. Do you happen to know anything about whether or not Stanford is flexible with non-Stanford study abroad programs?</p>
<p>And UCLAri, I really don't see how I am going to get more money for Stanford. My family can afford it, but I don't know if its worth 45k a year</p>
<p>rocketsummer,</p>
<p>UC EAP is nice, but there are plenty of opportunities out there to study abroad. What are you interested in doing?</p>
<p>As far as funding goes, have you tried applying for private scholarships? Considered ROTC? Considered doing work study?</p>
<p>I have applied for a lot of private scholarships, but I don't think I can get enough to balance the costs of Stanford. As for studying abroad, I would like to go to Greece or Spainm which Stanford doesn't offer. And does anyone know anything about creating new club sports at Stanford? I would really like to play volleyball and/or basketball</p>
<p>Actually, Stanford offers Spain</a> for sure, and I think Greece is easily doable. </p>
<p>I agree, however, that UCs offer a more robust study abroad option.</p>
<p>Stanford is worth the 45k if you can afford it. But it can't be your dream school if it doesn't offer everything you want, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Suck it up, pay off a few debts, go to Stanford. You are extremly lucky (and well qualified) to go. Not too many people get the chance to go to stanford.</p>
<p>Is an extra $75-100K in debt really worth it though? If rocketsummer is as capable as it seems, going to UCLA will not be likely to limit future options.</p>
<p>The question should always be based on utility and long-term value.</p>