<p>I’m glad that my thread has generated so much conversation. There seems to be a lot of “snarky posting” about ivies vs. other universities. </p>
<p>I guess to quell the minor quarrel, my intentions for this thread was to benefit myself, but also other CCers like me:</p>
<p>upper middleclass
pretty good stats
interested in engineering (or a likewise selective major)
have extra time on their hands to try and receive other college opportunities</p>
<p>I appreciate all of the suggestions, I need to get-to-looking ASAP! :)</p>
<p>As to answer mom2college kids - I am looking for approximately half-tuition or anyother “good deal”. Basically a “good deal” entails a good education that through financial aid would beat my current GREAT instate value (UIUC, approx $34,000)</p>
<p>you hit it right on the money! My ideal major is biomedical/bio eng and my secondary option is chemical/biomolecular eng :)</p>
<p>Also… my parents are willing to finance “whatever it takes.” I don’t mean to sound so blaisse, but I have finished applying to my top choices and for lack of better phrasing… i’m curious at other options that may not be “brand name” schools yet still offer a competitive education and provide a substantial amount of merit aid to “attract” me. (sorry the word attract sounds really conceited)</p>
<p>I guess a little more information about my quest for college:
Stanford - deferred
UIUC - accepted (Chem/Biomol Eng)</p>
<p>waiting to hear from:
Cornell (legacy)
Columbia (legacy)
Upenn (Jerome Fisher Program - ENGIN as default)
Johns Hopkins
Franklin Olin School of Eng (half-tuition scholarship guaranteed to all accepted students)</p>
<p>Thanks for your time, effort, and brainstorming :)</p>