<p>My son turned down a near full ride at a top 15 LAC for an Ivy. His plan since age 8 was to eventually go to law school, so he consulted with a number of lawyers about the undergraduate decision. All but one told him to go into debt if he had to, but to go to the better school since with law, the prestige of the undergrad degree does count. Also, they felt that the Ivies do a consistently better job of preparing kids for top careers. We were advised to look at it as a risk management decision. </p>
<p>He struggled mightily with this choice, since it was a very good school he was turning down. But S took their advice and chose one of the two Ivies to which he was admitted. We covered what we could, and he took out loans for the rest. He had a great experience there, but after 4 years of hard work decided NOT to apply to law school. Everyone was shocked, since this was a kid who carried out his plans like clockwork. His Ivy degree landed him a great job, however, and he has already paid off $25,000 while living and working in NYC. I’m not saying this will happen for everyone. He has been very fortunate. And certainly, there are kids who got a job like his from lower ranked schools and without the debt. </p>
<p>When our second came along, she too had free rides versus partial scholarships at HYPCS. We again hesitated; this time because D was smart, but not as intellectual as her brother and planned to play sports in college. How would she do academically at an elite school? Well, I’m pleased to report she is having a fantastic first year experience in every way. In fact, she just got a super research position for the summer with a professor who is tops in his field. No one was more surprised than I. I think it’s a case of a being surrounded by high-achieving peers–the rising tide principle–combined with abundant opportunities.</p>
<p>If you can swing it, and if your son is planning to major in a STEM field or economics, go Yale.</p>
<p>His Yale degree will go far to pay off any debt accrued-he can never make up for the difference in undergrad experience between Yale and an inferior school.</p>
<p>Let’s get real. What are that kid’s intellectual horizons after four years at a grossly inferior school in classes filled with grossly inferior students? Probably not as stellar as they might have been. We’re not talking about whether the kid goes to Yale or U VA.</p>
<p>Every time this comes up, someone dredges up Curmudgeon’s daughter. An undergrad experience at a place like Yale followed by med school at anyplace decent strikes me as a better combo than the reverse.</p>
<p>Parent57, as Bay points out you seem to have a major chip on your shoulder.</p>
<p>“Let’s get real. What are that kid’s intellectual horizons after four years at a grossly inferior school in classes filled with grossly inferior students? Probably not as stellar as they might have been. We’re not talking about whether the kid goes to Yale or U VA.”</p>
<p>Yup. Let’s get real. The students at many of the state honor college have similar stats to those at the “stellar institutions”. They have opportunities with the best faculty at the university, faculty with Ph.Ds from the very same institutions those teaching at prestige u will have. If they do well, they will have their pick of research opportunities, internships, and many opportunities to be mentored (perhaps more than that same student, now fair-to-middlin at prestige u, is likely to receive.) What they won’t have (and which I do think is in fact valuable) is exposure to very wealthy, well-connected students and their parents. That was, looking back at it, probably the most important element in my “elite” education, one that I am very thankful for, even though it made me quite uncomfortable at the time. </p>
<p>This would be true at UofA. I know little about USD. I know much about docs with significant debt - docs who wanted to be public health docs, or work in Africa, or work with Doctors without Borders, who gave up these dreams because their debts were too crushing, or until such a time that with the demands of family (and college tuitions) simply continued to be put off until all but impossible.</p>
<p>I do know that - all things being equal - I’d send my kid to Yale. But all things are NEVER equal. That’s why this forum is so interesting, especially when people engage in it without hostility.</p>
<p>For some of us, whose children go to Yale, it is not just a school with a name. It is an amazing and very special place where a LOT of kids find intellectual and social bliss. At least that has been my D’s experience so far. Personally I cannot think of any better way to spend 50K-60K/yr. And I would spend that for the experience she is getting at Yale, even if Yale was a no-name school. We are getting our money’s worth, which is a great education for our D and memories that will make her happy for years to come. The “wow” factor of the name is hardly relevant at all. </p>
<p>I know nothing about USD so I cannot comment on how it compares to Yale. I can certainly imagine that some kids would be happier at USD than at Yale. Certainly the weather would be better (in San Diego, not South Dakota) at USD. Quite possibly the education is also very good. Whether the extra $$ for Yale is worth it, that really depends on the family finances. I do think that in the grand scheme of things a $60K debt is not such a big deal, especially if the student is planning to become a doctor.</p>
<p>I think the responses are split because this is a highly personal decision based on – 1) how much the student and family value a Yale education. Some people would be perfectly happy attending USD. 2) How much you are willing and able to pay (and go into debt for) a Yale education. 3) Do you want to plan for grad school? Even if #1 leads you to Yale, #2 may point you toward USD.</p>
<p>$30K marks a decent reduction considering that many of the privates are approaching $60K next year.</p>
<p>Again, I know little about USD. I did look up their Honors Program. Their top 10% of students are “invited to apply”. According to their Common Data Set, which I also looked up, the top 10% of students’ SAT scores are well into the 700s in math and Critical Reading (with math a little higher than the critical reading.) That’s all I was able to find - it doesn;t say what percentage of that 10% actually are admitted to the Honors program. But, at least statistically, they don’t look much different than Yale students (except that, likely, they are not nearly as wealthy or well-connected - again, remember, I think that having wealthy and well-connected fellow students is a good thing, so don;t take that as a slam.)</p>
<p>Changing the topic slightly - how would you feel about paying for Yale if your child decides not to attend med school? Many students change majors. Is there a list of “we will pay for this, but not this” in your family budget?</p>
<p>“Parent57, as Bay points out you seem to have a major chip on your shoulder.”</p>
<p>Au contrair - some posters here think their special children, who went to Yale or other Ivies are better than everyone else, are the ones who have the chip on their shoulders. I know I am going to get a barrage of comments protesting my assertions, but we know that is what you really think. To the others, I am not angry. I just don’t like the elitism and the overbearing pompousness that permeate a number of these posts.</p>
<p>Here’s a thought. Yale may be a once in a lifetime chance. Why not have son try it for a year and then reevaluate the financial situation. Maybe he will love it and excel. Maybe he won’t care for it. Try it. Take a chance. In the meantime, buy a few lottery tickets. :-0</p>
<p>“Yes, my kid who goes to an Ivy is an extremely intelligent person, with certain strong talents. So? Am I supposed to pretend that he isn’t?”</p>
<p>I’m sure he is! Statistically, so are the folks in the Honors program at USD - in fact, probably about the same. Hey, isn’t that the whole point of this particular thread - that the student got into both, and now has to make a decision? He will be the same intelligent, talented student wherever he goes. He won’t all of a sudden become dumber if he goes to USD.</p>
<p>if the kid is outgoing, he’s going to find like minded kids. I would be guessing to say that Yale may have more like minded kids. </p>
<p>USD appears to be ‘buying’ your kid’s intellect. </p>
<p>What happens if premed, changes to something else? Premed is not a major concentration but a prep to medical college. You don’t need to be a premed to be admitted to medical school. </p>
<p>IF med school is not in the picture, would the Yale cost be affordable. Of course if one assumes a high probability of a high paying med practice. (nephew wants to do med charity work or research)</p>
<p>I care little where my GP got her undergrad, med schooling, or internship. ( I inherited current GP when my original doc left their joint practice-they got divorced, she stayed, he left.) She diagnosed the shingles rash when her hubby did not. </p>
<p>People ask me how I like a woman doctor. I say, she’s fine. She does things to me that Mom or DW never has done. And she has a small finger, but often a bit cold if I have a morning appointment. :)</p>