<p>Hi there. I have a similar kid and spent a lot of time looking at schools. A few comments:</p>
<ul>
<li>Caltech - there is money. The avg award is ~$30k or so. The research money funds over 90% of the school budget, not tuition. If he likes it apply and see what happens. They appear too be very generous. I attended an info session with my son.</li>
<li>Rice - don’t rule it out. It is more reasonable than others and I hear they have some award money. Also visited, good place for a science kid - similar set up as Caltech with the house/college system.</li>
<li>U of Texas - if he likes it they have a “40 Acres Scholarship”. Your son’s grades match the grades of the kid in my son’s class who received it. It is full tuition.</li>
<li>U of Illinois - They have money for a few kids.</li>
<li>WUSTL - have heard they do not have a lot of merit aid available - like most high end privates, they have plenty of kids to pick from with similar stats so they don’t need to offer aid.</li>
<li>Most of the state flagship schools have started an honors program to attract high end kids and many offer scholarships. They may not necessarily be advertised but you should investigate for the schools your son is interested in. You can always apply.</li>
</ul>
<p>Your son may be an URM somewhere (and probably most places) so don’t rule that out, it is huge to some schools. </p>
<p>Go visit this summer, make sure they know you are interested and apply in September. The money can go early at some schools.</p>
<p>Good luck, you have a great hard working kid and he will end up somewhere wonderful</p>