Congratulations on so many great options. The COAs listed above may need closer examination, as some include health insurance and others may not. In particular the UC costs will be quite a lot lower (especially with a Regents scholarship) as they include health insurance, a large amount for travel and books (which is much too high instate), and the room and board is higher than the actual cost for the triple dorms that freshmen will end up in.
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Honestly, I am a little embarrassed. I toyed with not updating this thread, because it feels like I’m bragging, but I really was so grateful for people’s input when I was quite anxious about developing an appropriate list with her, that I felt like you’d all rather see the fruit of your labor than be left hanging.
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no need to be embarrassed! amazing kid (i am sure!), amazing outcomes. Congrats.
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What they said. She worked hard, crafted a good list, and presented herself well in her applications. No need to be embarrassed!
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I think it shows that a combination of great academics and a high level of dance commitment go down extremely well with college admissions decision makers, particularly when applying for a dance major.
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COA for Utah seems high too - is that just the sticker price minus merit, before accounting for either WUE or path-to-residency? Not sure if it’s on the short-list anyway but I’d be surprised if it really cost 46Kx4.
Congrats!! I hope you’ll keep us posted on the decision process. 
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It’s always wonderful when people circle back with an update!!! Congratulations to your D!!
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I can double check, but I think that actually is the Utah (merit + WUE) COA. She didn’t get the highest merit available for OOS. I’m not sure Utah is still in the running, but if it ends up being, I would consider turning down WUE and having her establish Utah residency. That route would be cheaper than what I quoted above.
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The COA for Utah includes ridiculously high miscellaneous expenses of $9600 (apparently subsuming medical insurance/expenses - though they charge less than UCSHIP) and travel ($2500):
The basic tuition/room/board total is a better basis for comparison ($33K with WUE, though they charge per credit hour and there are some fees for lab and dance courses). It’s about the same as a UC (before Regents merit) though with nicer on-campus rooms and cheaper off-campus costs.
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Congratulations to your D!!! She has lots of acceptances to deliberate between and to determine which path she wants to go down.
Like some of the others, I think you may want to review your financial figures. I realize that your family is willing and able to pay full freight, but it’s always nice to compare apples to apples rather than apples to pears. I would look at the direct-billed costs, meaning tuition and fees plus room and board. Some schools are much more generous than others in suggesting allowances for books, personal expenses, travel, etc. Those non-direct costs can be very different, even for schools in the same city!
I very much appreciate you circling back to share your D’s results. People who post originally love to hear how things turn out, but I think it’s also useful for lurkers and others down the line that have questions about their own applicants or what an applicant like your D ended up receiving in merit aid, etc.
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@AustenNut , @Twoin18 , @aquapt ,
After now hearing feedback from all of you I will go back and recalculate the schools she’s seriously considering! I just took whatever they sent me at face value–including all the non-direct costs, mostly because I’d rather budget for too much than too little. But I don’t want to mislead anyone who might read this; it sounds like I’m overestimating at least at some (most?) schools.
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My DD is at St Olaf and dances if you have questions. I also have a friend with a Jr dancer at Point Park. The dance is amazing. They are not known for their academics.
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This is such a great list of opportunities! Thank you for sharing. My D25 is a pre professional ballerina as well but opting for a traditional academic major with a dance minor for undergrad and professional company/school in town to take additional classes as her schedule allows. The BFA/BA/Minor dance process adds a whole wild layer to the regular process but it looks like you and your daughter have navigated it beautifully! Good luck to her with her final decision
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To close the loop on this thread, my daughter committed to UCI! As my friend stated, she learned that all choices have pros and cons. She was smitten by WashU at admitted students day, but felt like the dance wasn’t what she hoped for and that she wouldn’t have time to augment their program for a diy BFA. UCI doesn’t have the same feel as WashU and she recognizes that tradeoff, but between the honors program and double majoring she feels like it’s going to be great and she’s excited to make it home.
At the end of the day, the combination of a strong academics and BFA they offer beat out all the other options; it truly is the best fit for her, and ended up being the lowest cost option for the BFA to boot. I am proud of her for holding true to her passion. She’s getting a chance to pursue her dream of dancing professionally and then pursuing grad school to become a mental health therapist, and I’m grateful for everyone who has helped us along the way.
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Congratulations to your D on her choice! It sounds as though she’s been very thoughtful throughout this process (with an incredibly supportive parent guiding her through the process). Wishing her the very best at UCI!
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