<p>I qualify for the FACHEX scholarship, which essentially pays all tuition for you (not room/board). But…it’s only for Jesuit schools. </p>
<p>Boston College is the best on the list…but they receive more than 60 applications for this award and only one student receives it. </p>
<p>The other popular colleges (Fairfield, Fordham) have similar numbers. I am also thinking about College of the Holy Cross, which is also highly competitive. </p>
<p>I am focusing my college search on these schools, but am also extremely interested in Cornell. I think I definitely stand a chance of getting in as well.</p>
<p>I highly doubt I will be able to get the FACHEX award for any of the schools above, but there are other schools on the list that I could easily get into for free.</p>
<p>So here’s my dilemma. Should I opt for the not-so-good school that I can go to tuition-free, or should I take out loans and go to Cornell? </p>
<p>Thanks to anyone who replies!</p>
<p>I think this is a discussion you should also be having with your parents. Different parents have different opinions on the value of the brand name. Theres much to like about many of the Jesuit colleges and I’m glad, as a parent, you are pursuing these options. Only a conversation with your parents will give you perspective on what other colleges can and should be on your list.</p>
<p>Cornell is by far the lowest ranked of the Ivy League colleges. The general consensus is that it is no better if at all than the top Jesuit colleges.</p>
<p>Are you willing to go away from the East Coast? Santa Clara University in CA is a Jesuit school also…very good (disclaimer…biased parent of a recent grad).</p>
<p>BC. Fordham, Fairfield, Holy Cross are all in or near cities. Cornell isn’t.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I’m not sure what this comment means. Cornell is an excellent school. Many of the Jesuit schools are also excellent schools.</p>
<p>Haha…so I’m pretty much where I started. But thanks for the input everyone!</p>
<p>@thumper1- YES! Santa Clara is also on my list. I really like the website, but I’m not so sure about the academics. Would you be willing to PM me about your son/daughter’s experience?</p>
<p>Thanks all!</p>
<p>Yes, you are right where you started. It’s where many excellent students are. You can get into a school that offers few or no merit scholarships and have to pay full freight, or you can get into a number of schools that do offer merit awards that can discount your cost greatly. It really depends upon you and your parents as to what you should consider and can afford. You don’t have to just go through FACHEX either. If you have the stats to consider schools like BC and Cornell, there are a number of other schools where you might get merit money. FACHEX is just an extra opportunity you have to provide you with financial safeties that most of us do not have.</p>