Which offer is better?

SeekingPam
Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:39:52 +0000

On USNWR Columbia was ranked 4 and MIT 7 which is not a reason to choose one over the other but shows they are peers. I know people who were rejected at Columbia and accepted or wait listed at Cornell and Penn. The key here is you are talking about two need based offers at top schools.

Are you waiting for other schools? If not call before ivy day since the likely letter is more impressive than RD.

I am sure you would be polite with MIT if you choose to call but it is up to you. Since you have the acceptance and offer in hand (and not just a likely letter) the absolute worst thing they could do is say no, in which case you will probably attend anyway and know that you got the best savings you could. Best case you saved your family the cost of a car over 4 years. I would say 20k is worth a phone call. However as you said, it is your post and if your family is comfortable with the package at MIT or concerned about their reaction then obviously pick whichever offer you prefer as extended without trying to change the offer with MIT.