I don’t believe @Strannik is the OP.
That would be @El_2025
Let me rephrase - perhaps there are a few current or former AOs - I don’t know everyone’s background. Some have been or are alumni interviewers. Special guests that come on are not regular posters -including President Carson from Tulsa who occasionally posts, rightfully boasts about his school or to help a student who may be in financial strain or who he encourages to consider his school. That’s occasional and geared toward one school.
I would also note whether or not one does something for a career, it does not mean the guidance they provide is not sound.
At the same time, many people do things for a career (get paid), and it does not mean the guidance they provide is sound.
There are many folks on this website - and many offer similar guidance. Others counter one another and it’s good to see that perspective as well.
In the end, any student or parent is free to use or not use any guidance they choose to use.
Generally, in my opinion, the guidance offered is sound - and many students have benefited from many posters, no matter what they do for a living.
If one only wants to hear from someone affiliated with a college, the website would have little merit and little participation and would have helped few students over the years.
We are getting off topic from @El_2025 here who I believe has been given sound guidance. If you don’t believe so @Strannik or you don’t want to believe the postings of certain folks, that is your right.
Good luck.
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UVA and UNC meet full need.
If the cost of UVA is too high based on the NPC…I would remove it from the list. The exception would be if you have been nominated as a Jefferson Scholar- in which case you would obviously apply and see what happens.
UNC does give merit, but it is very, very competitive. You can leave it on the list even if the NPC is high, but it should be considered a big reach.
Take a look at the University of Cincinnati.
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I was actually born in Gainesville so I am familiar with the UF area. My parents got their PhDs there so I’m pretty sure that doesn’t count as legacy, but I have familiarity with the school.
My counselor said I am a likely candidate for Jefferson at my school so that is one of the biggest reasons it’s on my list. I don’t have any confidence I will get Jefferson, but who knows what can happen!
I will definitely take a look at Univ of Cincinnati! Thank you!
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All the information I’ve received has been so helpful! I appreciate it all!!!
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Per the Common Data Set, alumni relation is no factor at UF…and nearly all publics for that matter.
You’re certainly a great student - and while I think UF is a reach, it’s certainly a reasonable one. Your stats bode very well there!!
You’re so welcome - and I’m glad to be helpful to you.
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If your parents are willing to go up maybe to $60K, then I think a lot more options will open up.
Like I think Minnesota and Pitt are both great options given your stated interests and preferences, but would likely need a $60K budget (merit at Pitt is a possibility, but that much merit is not common).
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UMN, for tuition, room and board, is showing low 50s. $38,518 tuition and $13,856 room and board.
Some programs have a surcharge - but neither pscyh or stats do (unless stats became data science).
But merit at UMN is likely - at least a few years ago - a student like this would have gotten $15K.
Maybe it’s tightened up based on your post?? But I think UMN, financially and for what the student is looking for (city, Asian population of 12%, second biggest ethnicity), is a solid choice. Not assured to hit cost - but a great possibility to do so.
The UMN thread for 2028 discusses receiving merit - but shows no amount unfortunately.
Agreed Pitt (which has merit but is rare) is unlikely to hit budget.
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Using the Net Price Calculator at U. of Minnesota (link), I used the zip code of 38585 (a zip code in rural TN), a bio major, and OP’s unweighted GPA with her SAT score. I also used the maximum income and assets for the family and for the student to ensure that there was no need-based aid included. Granted, this info is for SY24-25 and not SY25-26, but OP would receive at least a $15k merit award, bringing the Cost of Attendance (so not just tuition, room & board) to a little over $37k, which would be well within budget.
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Thanks for taking the extra step and confirming!!
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Sorry, I can see the way that was written implied I knew there would not be merit at Minnesota.
But I actually simply did not know, so omitted discussion of it. But that sounds like a great option given what I just learned.
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