<p>PurpleTitan: I don’t know whether it’s an easy decision, really. For a kid who’s gifted and science-focused, nothing’s better than the intensity of Harvey Mudd or CalTech. It all depends on whether the family’s got the money and whether they value education to that point. It’s a hefty sumn. But if I had it, I’d pay it for my gifted kid who’s science-focused. It’d also depend on the kid’s personality - I’m thinking a kid who’d fit in at CalTech may be a bit socially isolated at ASU, Barrett or not. I think Barrett is a terrific option, but if that’s the instance, I really would consider my kid’s personality, her/his drive, etc. as well as what sacrifices it’d entail. I could sacrifice eating out, going to the movies, keeping the old car, for my kid, but I couldn’t make everyone starve and freeze for it.
(I seem to recall that of the two students who posted regularly and let us follow their stories last year, and seemed rather focused on Honors College to save money while having parents who could pay but truly hesitated about costs, both ended up accepting the Honors College offer… then turned it down because both parents - both in industry at a high level- consulted with partners/colleagues, and the kids ended up at the “prestigious” school despite the costs. This, to me, “says” something too, although not about the academic quality of the two institutions involved, which were not “tech” schools.)</p>