<p>So I think this is a little different from the usual Yale vs. Harvard, Yale vs. Stanford etc. threads...
Anyway, as the title implies, I was accepted into both Yale and JHU. JHU also accepted me into their #1-rated Biomedical Engineering program, offered me the prestigious and substantial Hodson Trust Scholarship ($110,000 over eight semesters! I was in shock when I read the letter lol), and selected me as a finalist for their Westgate engineering scholarship - which (if I end up getting it) would essentially be a full ride. Ordinarily I would have leaped at the chance to attend Yale with no second thoughts, but JHU's goodies have made that decision a lot harder. Additional complicating factors: 1) I have no financial aid from Yale, 2) I am not 100% set on being a biomedical engineer (and did not list that as my intended major when applying to Yale) - I really have no idea if I would prefer basic research, other kinds of applied research, something totally different.... But I would like to know whether I would be less well-off at Yale if I do end up majoring in biomedical engineering.</p>
<p>What would you do in this circumstance? Obviously I am going to visit both schools again (I have visited both in the past, including living at JHU for a 3-week summer camp), but are there any particular insights/suggestions you guys have? (either for Yale vs. JHU, or for the general circumstance of Yale vs. merit scholarship opportunity at another great school)</p>
<p>Have you talked to your parents about the financial aspect?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I can offer very little advice but congratulations on such outstanding achievements! You seem like the type of humble and articulate student that any school would be lucky to have.</p>
<p>Best of luck with your decision; it doesn’t seem like you COULD make a bad choice with those options!</p>
<p>Honestly, I don’t think any school, even Yale, is worth $200,000 of debt (assuming that’s basically what you’re looking at due to lack of FA). That’s practically impossible to pay off.</p>
<p>Obviously, the situation changes if your parents will be paying for a significant amount of that each year, leaving you with less debt. However, honestly, I’d still go to JHU. The BME program is absolutely top-notch (equal, if not better than, Yale’s) and the finances are looking great; I wouldn’t want to put the burden of $200,000 on either you or your parents. </p>
<p>I know the Yale name is incredibly alluring, but in reality, your job prospects out of JHU’s BME would be incredible, and that’s what really matters in the long run. You’re only talking about 4 years of your future in regards to the school; it’s the jobs-- the long-term plan-- you’re after.</p>
<p>Overall, the most important thing is to speak with your parents. Find out what they think. Weigh the options, discussing pros and cons. It’s a big decision for you, but it could be just as big for your parents.</p>
<p>Good luck on the scholarship, by the way. :)</p>
<p>I certainly agree with the other posts. First you should talk with your parents to see what they are able/want to support. That may give you a clearer direction to take.</p>
<p>My own D was in a similar situation 2 years ago. She was the recipient of an award that gave a full ride to UNC with summer internships and travel. When she received that news she had already been accepted SCEA to Yale. I looked the financial aid that Yale offered and decided we could afford it. The UNC program was great but after visiting she decided it was not for her (though she felt extremely grateful for the opportunity to consider it). We talked quite a bit about it and, in the end, supported her decision. She matriculated at Yale and couldn’t be happier. We are thrilled to see her do so well and have not second-guessed that decision.</p>
<p>So I see there are really 2 main points for you to consider.
- if you turn down JHU will your parents be able to afford Yale? To what extent and what affect would that have on your family?
- do you think you would be unhappy at JHU? It is a great school (as is Yale) but I hope you would not have to go to a school that you know would not be a good fit.</p>
<p>I agree Prussia! You are talking about 4 years and you have wonderful choices. I know so many that would love to have your “dilemma”. You will love either school, I’m sure, and they will both give you incredible options in life.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Well, regarding the financial situation, my parents have stressed that they don’t want money to be the only deciding factor. My undergrad education would be fully covered by our 529 plan even if I give up the scholarship and matriculate at Yale (hence I did not apply for financial aid, and the JHU merit scholarship was just an unlooked-for stroke of luck)… Basically, if I go to JHU, I would end up paying less out of pocket for grad/med school later on, since there would be funds left in the 529, whereas if I go to Yale, I still wouldn’t have undergrad debt but I would have more debt after grad school. I guess that for now, I just have to keep reading all I can about the schools’ programs, and then see how I feel after I visit both. I’m glad to hear about your experience, alohamom, especially the fact that you have no regrets about turning down the scholarship.</p>