<p>
This is no longer true for freshmen:
[Frequently</a> Asked Questions - Caltech Caltech Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/faqs#scholarships]Frequently”>http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/faqs#scholarships)
“In order to strengthen our need-based financial aid program even further, we have redirected our freshman merit-based scholarship programs to our need-based financial aid program, effective with the class that entered in September 2009.”</p>
<p>@sbj: Your son has a very unique situation. HMC is a great college and might be a good fit if your son really wants a small LAC atmosphere. However, the simple reality is that with 70 units of college credit as a junior - including upper level physics courses - your son is in a position to benefit greatly from the availability of graduate-level courses. If the information you have posted is accurate, he is so far ahead of the curve that he will not be a remotely typical undergrad student.</p>
<p>He can apply to HYPSM and perhaps receive good financial aid. UCB, UCLA, UCSB, and UCSD are all very strong, though I don’t know the current financial situation in CA very well. The 40 Acres Scholarship at UT-Austin is incredibly competitive, but I think your son has as good a shot as anyone and that would be an awesome opportunity.</p>
<p>Also look at U Maryland (Banneker Key Scholarship), SUNY Stony Brook, U Minnesota, and U Arizona.</p>