Thank you, that’s very reassuring
Just checking re: Lewis, I kind of assume this is on the list because it is close to home and you would commute to this school ?
Lewis doesn’t have engineering, is the bigger issue. They run through IIT.
You can simply drop it as you have IIT.
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The food is very good and caters to the international population. I met a local couple (older) who said they eat at the cafeteria on many Sunday nights because they liked it a lot. I think it was about $15 for a ‘swipe’ at dinner.
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My PLTW Aerospace class was with Lewis, so I just assumed Lewis had aerospace engineering. I focused most of my research on targets and reaches, not safeties. I’m going to look more into my safeties.
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Safeties are actually the most important school on the list. You need something that’s affordable and an easy admit because if all else fails, you want a home you’d like.
You first go by budget and depending it, you find schools that fit. If you are NMF, it could be free. If not it could be $20k to $100k so that’s step one. Then you pick schools - so you’re a bit ahead of where you should be. Picking schools, not knowing if they’re affordable, will leave those who can’t pay with a huge issue.
So your family needs to figure that out -or you apply to lower cost schools - just in case it comes up - KU, Bama, Ms State, UAH, Louisville, WVU. If you get NMF there’s some free or near and other’s free tuition - you pay room and board.
SO b4 picking schools, find that budget #.but yes as you pick schools - ensure they have your major.
You said above no cost constraints - if that’s the case you are good. Just make sure they know some could be $90k plus a year
So it’s always best to have a # in mind if possible. You note middle income so it might not be realistic to spend that.
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What is your Selection Index score? See projected cutoffs here (projected 220 for Illinois): National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs Class of 2026
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I was wondering why it was on there the only reason I could come up with was that it was very close to home! ( I know several students that attend because they wanted to live at home) So definitely take some to find a safety that has your major and is affordable.
220, so I’m hoping the predicted Illinois score is accurate.
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If you do make NMSF, here is a thread that discusses schools that give full rides (or near it) for National Merit. These schools can serve as great safeties:
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