<p>Right now I have several options for college, and I believe all these places would be great to go to, but I just want to make sure I wouldn't be making a horrible mistake by picking one over the other. I have been accepted to UIUC Engineering, IIT (Camras Scholar), Grinnell College, Reed College, and Case Western Reserve. I live in southern Illinois. I have received similar financial aid offers from all of these schools except UIUC, which I don't believe gives out much need based financial aid. As far as money, IIT would overall cost about $9k/year, Grinnell would cost about $11k/year, Reed would cost $13-14k/ year, and I'm not exactly sure about Case. UIUC is probably in the high 20's or low 30's. I love physics, which is what I want to major in, but I am also interested in engineering. However, I think I would love the environment of a rigorous, small town liberal arts school. Right now, I think Grinnell is the place I want to go, as I am very interested in their 3-2 engineering program with several schools 3-2</a> Engineering Programs - Physics | Grinnell College. Reed was also a very attractive choice, but it is slightly more expensive, farther away, and lacking of a 3-2 engineering program. Would I be making a horrible mistake passing up the in-state UIUC Physics/Engineering Program?</p>
<p>Living close to the UIUC campus, I would vote for Grinnell College. I have heard is a great place. Maybe I am biased but the UIUC isn’t all it is cracked up to be in my opinion. I am sure others would disagree. If you choose UIUC there are scholarships and grants available if you grades and financial circumstances are within their guidelines. I know a girl that went there and found lots of aid. It just takes time and effort.</p>
<p>Reed offers 3/2 degrees in partnership with the same universities as Grinnell. I don’t know what led you to believe otherwise.</p>
<p>[Reed</a> College | Physics | Three-Two Program](<a href=“http://academic.reed.edu/physics/threetwo.html]Reed”>Three-Two Program - Physics Department - Reed College)</p>
<p>Before deciding to do a 3+2 plan, consider the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is transfer to the “2” school guaranteed, based on a known-beforehand GPA, or subject to competitive admission?</li>
<li>Do the “2” schools give any assurances about the amount of financial aid offered to 3+2 transfer students?</li>
<li>Will you be willing to transfer away as you approach your senior year at the “3” school?</li>
</ul>