mindreeder

So I've been visiting colleges all year and doing my searching homework like a good little boy. I'm obviously turned on by the Ivy Leagues, but in my case, not just because they are prestigious, well known and liked in the business world, etc. Since I am the son of a divorced artist who is currently enrolled in a PhD program with two boys already in college, my mother's income is very low.

The Ivies all offer free tuition, room and board, AND books and fees to families under 40k (sometimes up to about 60k) upon acceptance. Of the schools I've toured (AU, BU, Columbia, Cornell, etc) I've really liked Columbia. I fit the general Ivy profile- 4.2 GPA, bunch of AP 4s and 5s, lots of ECs, what have you- but I'm not 100% sold on Columbia vs. all the other schools. It is top of my list, sure, but I'd also consider going to all the other schools I like if I were given a fat FA package.

Is it worth it to apply early to Columbia-since it is my first choice and offers me a concrete full ride- and just worry about the other schools if I don't get in to Columbia? My personal bias just says "yes" because I'm not one to turn down a free lunch if I can get one before the other kids, but I'd love to hear from the much more knowledgeable parents and students here before I make any rash decisions.

Thanks!

csdad

If you don't have to worry about finances applying Ed should hinge on two factors: 1) Your chances of being accepted. You don't want to "waste" your ED on a college you have little chance of being accepted at 2) The college should be the one that you know if accepted at you'd chose over any other. What is your SAT score?

mindreeder

I've only taken the SATs once and at that, without any previous studying. I only had a combined 1960 (reading 670, math 610, writing 680) but I do plan to retake these first thing this school year. My ACT composite is a 32 which is good enough to send in.

As far as #1 goes- since the Ivies are the only schools that offer a full ride that includes room and board- the only schools I'd consider applying early to would be only the Ivies since with any other schools I'd need to apply RD to compare finaid packages.

I see what you're saying in point #2. Columbia is my top choice though, all things considered, so I feel like it wouldn't be a waste to just toss my ED there and see what happens, since again, I wouldn't bother applying ED for any other schools besides an Ivy.

MizzBee

Although there is not a lot of time left, have you considered applying to the Questbridge scholarship program? It is difficult, but if chosen, you would save on applications and apply through the college match program.

mindreeder

I see how it can help save on applications, which isn't really a HUGE deal for my family, but what advantages does the college match process have, other than simply being able to apply to eight schools with one app? (Which is sort of what the Common App does anyway)

oldfort

How could $500+ application fee not be a big deal to a family of 3 with income of 40K.

mindreeder

Because we've always set aside enough money for all of our APs, SATs, etc. We're fine on college app fees and things, but multi-thousand dollar tuition payments are the only things we really can't afford.

EliKresses

Get your ACT up 2 points, write interesting, unique, and generally AMAZING essays and send that ED application off to Columbia. Makes sense since you have an assured full ride if accepted, it's your top choice, and you'd only be applying to other Ivy League schools ED anyway... Why wouldn't you apply there ED!?(:

Ortsac

Are you URM? A 32 ACT is good, but not as competitive as many other people will have who will be EDing to Columbia.

sujormik

Duke and Stanford also offer full tuition, room & board for families making under $60k per year, and tuition for families with under $100k income.

awkwardpenguin13

I'd say it's definitely worth it, however, one thing: Living in NYC can be veryyyy expensive. Just letting you know now. Plus, have you heard about the hurricanes lately!? Just kidding of course.

And a 32 ACT is fine; definitely send that instead of the SAT.

Good luck!

HuxleyAlum

The last time I checked, Columbia's early decision admit rate was about 23%, (regular admit rate = 10%) after you factor in recruited athletes, URMs, legacies, the rich and famous, and developmental admits, the odds of an "un-hooked" applicant are much lower.

You do increase your likelihood by applying early, but don't bank on admittance. Even if you're hooked, all ivies are a reach.

Unless I'm missing something, anyone under a certain income level is guaranteed a "full ride." Getting a "full ride" isn't the same thing as getting admitted. My advice is to check out other non-ivy options.

mindreeder

@Huxley: Of course the grant itself isn't the same as admittance, but I'd say that I have a neutral to fair chance to getting in if I apply ED. I've got all sorts of other schools (Ivies and non) lined up for RD apps, but do you think it's worth it to just go ahead ED for the heck of it, since I'm guaranteed full funding? Again, I wouldn't bother applying ED for any other school since the Ivies are the only ones guaranteeing full funding.

And no, Ortsac, I'm not URM.

Ortsac

I would send in your app ED, because you really never know what could happen, especially if you're SET on Columbia. I would retake the ACT in the fall though, just to try and raise your score.

Take a look at some of these schools too, which are supposed to meet full need. Be aware that some will calculate using CSS or FAFSA (which can be different amounts) or even using their own method.
Colleges That Claim to Meet the Full Financial Needs of Students - US News and World Report

glido

If you apply RD, you can compare FA packages and decide.