<p>Thanks PA Mom, it’s the waiting that kills you. Having flown into Columbia many times I have learned to check out Charlotte or even Atlanta for better tickets, many times saved enough to get the rental car. It would be an option to think about. Still, you can imagine r/ts to Seattle - so I’m only talking the major holiday/breaks, certainly not any homesickness (and I do have relatives and friends to help out there).</p>
<p>As far as the McNair, even 40 out of 1600 lets you know how competitive it is. Even with in-state status it will come down to how much scholarship money is also offered. I have to assume our own in-state U. will make some total package offer as well. So again my question is mainly directed at anyone who has sat down with USC FinAid regarding the bottomline and came away with something - even a token better deal.</p>
<p>And I can certainly attest to how great the weather is in the Spring and Fall (we may have a chance to run over for a day at the Masters during our visit in April). Usually there are mild winters (although Seattle, with it’s rain notwithstanding, has had milder winters than SC) - but students don’t usually get the full summer effect. I spent a couple weeks this past summer helping out a friend - and realized why I have remained in the NW even when my heart (and BBQ) keeps calling me home.</p>