@AimingTop50 He did get merit aid, but he had some at other schools too. It was really a combination of a couple of factors: 1) he plans on going to grad school afterwards, so he won’t do the 4+1 at the U, but he’ll go to a MIT type of school for that 2) he wanted to enjoy his one chance at college, much like his older brother did 3) it’s a really good school, and he has found other really bright students. He’s having a great time (loved going to Ultra), there’s tons of cultural opportunities that he has found, and he’s working hard. Sometimes there’s more to life than Top 10 lists…