<p>No ifs and buts, as far as I know. Cornell will match dollar for dollar any offer from another ivy; they simply ask you for your financial aid package and match it. Their own calculator is not used. Of course, no point going through the trouble of doing this (for the sake of both Cornell and yourself), unless your son is considering Cornell seriously! Though our son decided not to matriculate there, he liked Cornell a lot. He had a most enjoyable visit there. He got a chance to talk in depth to a couple of kids in his area there and they were amazing individuals. It’s a great setting if one likes rural and snow!</p>
<p>I do think that a lot is made of graduate rankings for undergraduate education, when in reality, one can’t go wrong picking any of the top schools, and making the best of the opportunities there. As people have said many times in these forums, undergraduate education is more than getting a degree. It’s an experience. Your son won’t go wrong picking one that seems just right to him. He is fortunate to have such great choices.</p>