Good alternatives to UVA/WM with merit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS thought U Del and Miami U both felt similar in style to UVA while being a lot less selective. DS got merit from both to bring the cost down to be in range,, $35-40k

My DD who preferred W&M mainly also applied to LACs (in the 50-80 rank range) + UMW, which is the most similar school in VA to W&M. With merit UMW would only have cost us $17k. The LACs generally came in around $30k with a couple higher ranked ones only getting the price down to $50k.

Your DS’s experience is irrelevant because the schools involved don’t have nearly as good a reputation as UVA or W&M regardless of their “vibe.” If he turned either down to attend U Del or Miami he’d be nuts.

Of course they don't. But OP wants "similar" schools that will provide merit to match UVAs price. To get that you obviously have to go down in reputation tier. Same tier schools don't give merit. FWIW, DS was never going to be admitted to UVA (not most rigorous classes at his HS). He's now at Virginia Tech.

So, you have confirmed as I suspected: your son was not in the running for UVA or William and Mary. The OP’s question was, what if your kid IS in the running?

Different PP here - I think OP is saying even tho their kid is in the running for the two mentioned, are there good alternatives that would provide good merit. Didn’t say alternatives have to be on a par. Often a very good school will offer great merit to attract a kid like that - but often, that school is less selective than the top 50-100. For many people, that is a great alternative - to still receive a quality education at a terrific place, at a great price. To each his own. OP, come back and let us know how it went, it would honestly be great info to hear. Good luck!

Yeah, I hear that, but I am responding to a post where the kid was NOT in the running for either of those two schools. That’s not what OP was asking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Do they find UVA more appealing or W&M? That preference would tend to lead to different target/safety schools.

Within your distance limit, I know kids who wanted UVA who are now at U of SC, U Mass, Rochester although more ended up at JMU, VT, or VCU (the pre-meds at VCU)
Those who liked W&M are at schools like Dickinson, Mount Holyoke, SMCM.

Right now they think W&M but DH and I went there so they are probably biased although we’ve really tried to remain neutral (and we truly don’t care!) Our main fear is they get shut out of both. Not that excited about either Tech or JMU.

I get it. I have one kid at VT who really didn't like W&M while my other liked W&M but not UVA or VT. She applied to a range of LACs. I still insisted on an in-state safety so she applied to UMW, which is the closest in Virginia in size/style to W&M. I'd recommend you start visiting some LACs that have potential to come in similar to or less than the cost of W&M (generally rank in the 50-80 range on the USNWR list). Also, Jesuit schools tend to be similar in size to W&M so some of the less-selective ones might be good options too.

OP here. I guess this where I am confused. Where do I look to get an idea of which schools would have any chance of being affordable to us with merit aid. I don't want to apply a bunch of places we have no hope of affording.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

Did you have something helpful to contribute?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Do they find UVA more appealing or W&M? That preference would tend to lead to different target/safety schools.

Within your distance limit, I know kids who wanted UVA who are now at U of SC, U Mass, Rochester although more ended up at JMU, VT, or VCU (the pre-meds at VCU)
Those who liked W&M are at schools like Dickinson, Mount Holyoke, SMCM.

Right now they think W&M but DH and I went there so they are probably biased although we’ve really tried to remain neutral (and we truly don’t care!) Our main fear is they get shut out of both. Not that excited about either Tech or JMU.

I get it. I have one kid at VT who really didn't like W&M while my other liked W&M but not UVA or VT. She applied to a range of LACs. I still insisted on an in-state safety so she applied to UMW, which is the closest in Virginia in size/style to W&M. I'd recommend you start visiting some LACs that have potential to come in similar to or less than the cost of W&M (generally rank in the 50-80 range on the USNWR list). Also, Jesuit schools tend to be similar in size to W&M so some of the less-selective ones might be good options too.

OP here. I guess this where I am confused. Where do I look to get an idea of which schools would have any chance of being affordable to us with merit aid. I don't want to apply a bunch of places we have no hope of affording.

OP: I would have your DC research schools that have qualities that appeal to them, that are a step or two or three below UVA and W&M. Then research the merit aid stats for those schools. In state tuition is hard to beat, unless you are willing to look lower down the rankings (at the many excellent schools to consider). As has been said, you are not likely to get merit offers unless the schools are lower ranked - merit aid being a carrot to attract students that are at the upper end of their range, or who exceed. Your DC will find them when doing the research. That’s the only way I can think of answering your question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

I think generally once you get below the 50s all the LACs pretty reliably give merit. So then you narrow down by location, academic interests, ECs, etc.

My DD was interested in W&M but not enough that she was willing to ED. She was waitlisted in RD. Her top interests were a strong environmental science program, reasonable drive from home, opportunities to continue music. Her list included Juniata, SMCM, Allegheny, Washington College, Dickinson, Mt Holyoke. Dickinson and Mount Holyoke were too expensive. The others came in around $30k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

I think generally once you get below the 50s all the LACs pretty reliably give merit. So then you narrow down by location, academic interests, ECs, etc.

My DD was interested in W&M but not enough that she was willing to ED. She was waitlisted in RD. Her top interests were a strong environmental science program, reasonable drive from home, opportunities to continue music. Her list included Juniata, SMCM, Allegheny, Washington College, Dickinson, Mt Holyoke. Dickinson and Mount Holyoke were too expensive. The others came in around $30k.

OP here. Thanks all, and to PP above. This is all very helpful.

[Anonymous]

Shocked the number and variety of questions that are posed to create new threads for the same schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

Did you have something helpful to contribute?

I thought I just did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

I think generally once you get below the 50s all the LACs pretty reliably give merit. So then you narrow down by location, academic interests, ECs, etc.

My DD was interested in W&M but not enough that she was willing to ED. She was waitlisted in RD. Her top interests were a strong environmental science program, reasonable drive from home, opportunities to continue music. Her list included Juniata, SMCM, Allegheny, Washington College, Dickinson, Mt Holyoke. Dickinson and Mount Holyoke were too expensive. The others came in around $30k.

These schools are well below William & Mary, which is fine - except there are several state schools in VA that are just as good and just as cheap.

I’m still confused by OP. Is she saying “look, my kid is only going in state if she gets into UVA or William & Mary. If she doesn’t get into either, what out of states schools are available to her with merit”.

The answer it all depends on her stats, but if she’s not getting into UVA and William and Mary she’s not getting a lot of money from any school that is even close to them in terms of quality and reputation. Good schools may take her - but they won’t throw money at her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

I think generally once you get below the 50s all the LACs pretty reliably give merit. So then you narrow down by location, academic interests, ECs, etc.

My DD was interested in W&M but not enough that she was willing to ED. She was waitlisted in RD. Her top interests were a strong environmental science program, reasonable drive from home, opportunities to continue music. Her list included Juniata, SMCM, Allegheny, Washington College, Dickinson, Mt Holyoke. Dickinson and Mount Holyoke were too expensive. The others came in around $30k.

These schools are well below William & Mary, which is fine - except there are several state schools in VA that are just as good and just as cheap.

I’m still confused by OP. Is she saying “look, my kid is only going in state if she gets into UVA or William & Mary. If she doesn’t get into either, what out of states schools are available to her with merit”.

The answer it all depends on her stats, but if she’s not getting into UVA and William and Mary she’s not getting a lot of money from any school that is even close to them in terms of quality and reputation. Good schools may take her - but they won’t throw money at her.

Well, yeah. But especially if you like W&M, what are the most similar(ish) in-state options -- CNU, UMW. If those don't appeal, there are a lot of LACs that will match W&M's price (although still more than other VA schools) and may be more appealing. That's my DD's list above. She really didn't want to go in-state and found schools that fit our budget and had what she wanted. She's happy and so are we. Yes, we could have said you have to go UMW but why when other schools had stronger programs for her particular interest.

If you like UVA, the best VA alternatives are probably JMU/VT which OP's kid isn't excited about. I'd tell them they still need to apply to those to keep their options open while also considering OOS flagships that give merit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

I think generally once you get below the 50s all the LACs pretty reliably give merit. So then you narrow down by location, academic interests, ECs, etc.

My DD was interested in W&M but not enough that she was willing to ED. She was waitlisted in RD. Her top interests were a strong environmental science program, reasonable drive from home, opportunities to continue music. Her list included Juniata, SMCM, Allegheny, Washington College, Dickinson, Mt Holyoke. Dickinson and Mount Holyoke were too expensive. The others came in around $30k.

These schools are well below William & Mary, which is fine - except there are several state schools in VA that are just as good and just as cheap.

I’m still confused by OP. Is she saying “look, my kid is only going in state if she gets into UVA or William & Mary. If she doesn’t get into either, what out of states schools are available to her with merit”.

The answer it all depends on her stats, but if she’s not getting into UVA and William and Mary she’s not getting a lot of money from any school that is even close to them in terms of quality and reputation. Good schools may take her - but they won’t throw money at her.

Well, yeah. But especially if you like W&M, what are the most similar(ish) in-state options -- CNU, UMW. If those don't appeal, there are a lot of LACs that will match W&M's price (although still more than other VA schools) and may be more appealing. That's my DD's list above. She really didn't want to go in-state and found schools that fit our budget and had what she wanted. She's happy and so are we. Yes, we could have said you have to go UMW but why when other schools had stronger programs for her particular interest.

If you like UVA, the best VA alternatives are probably JMU/VT which OP's kid isn't excited about. I'd tell them they still need to apply to those to keep their options open while also considering OOS flagships that give merit.

Are the LACs that will match W&M any better than UMW or UVA Wise?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

I think generally once you get below the 50s all the LACs pretty reliably give merit. So then you narrow down by location, academic interests, ECs, etc.

My DD was interested in W&M but not enough that she was willing to ED. She was waitlisted in RD. Her top interests were a strong environmental science program, reasonable drive from home, opportunities to continue music. Her list included Juniata, SMCM, Allegheny, Washington College, Dickinson, Mt Holyoke. Dickinson and Mount Holyoke were too expensive. The others came in around $30k.

These schools are well below William & Mary, which is fine - except there are several state schools in VA that are just as good and just as cheap.

I’m still confused by OP. Is she saying “look, my kid is only going in state if she gets into UVA or William & Mary. If she doesn’t get into either, what out of states schools are available to her with merit”.

The answer it all depends on her stats, but if she’s not getting into UVA and William and Mary she’s not getting a lot of money from any school that is even close to them in terms of quality and reputation. Good schools may take her - but they won’t throw money at her.

Well, yeah. But especially if you like W&M, what are the most similar(ish) in-state options -- CNU, UMW. If those don't appeal, there are a lot of LACs that will match W&M's price (although still more than other VA schools) and may be more appealing. That's my DD's list above. She really didn't want to go in-state and found schools that fit our budget and had what she wanted. She's happy and so are we. Yes, we could have said you have to go UMW but why when other schools had stronger programs for her particular interest.

If you like UVA, the best VA alternatives are probably JMU/VT which OP's kid isn't excited about. I'd tell them they still need to apply to those to keep their options open while also considering OOS flagships that give merit.

Are the LACs that will match W&M any better than UMW or UVA Wise?

Depends on what is "better" for the individual. It's not a 1-size-fits-all answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

I think generally once you get below the 50s all the LACs pretty reliably give merit. So then you narrow down by location, academic interests, ECs, etc.

My DD was interested in W&M but not enough that she was willing to ED. She was waitlisted in RD. Her top interests were a strong environmental science program, reasonable drive from home, opportunities to continue music. Her list included Juniata, SMCM, Allegheny, Washington College, Dickinson, Mt Holyoke. Dickinson and Mount Holyoke were too expensive. The others came in around $30k.

These schools are well below William & Mary, which is fine - except there are several state schools in VA that are just as good and just as cheap.

I’m still confused by OP. Is she saying “look, my kid is only going in state if she gets into UVA or William & Mary. If she doesn’t get into either, what out of states schools are available to her with merit”.

The answer it all depends on her stats, but if she’s not getting into UVA and William and Mary she’s not getting a lot of money from any school that is even close to them in terms of quality and reputation. Good schools may take her - but they won’t throw money at her.

Well, yeah. But especially if you like W&M, what are the most similar(ish) in-state options -- CNU, UMW. If those don't appeal, there are a lot of LACs that will match W&M's price (although still more than other VA schools) and may be more appealing. That's my DD's list above. She really didn't want to go in-state and found schools that fit our budget and had what she wanted. She's happy and so are we. Yes, we could have said you have to go UMW but why when other schools had stronger programs for her particular interest.

If you like UVA, the best VA alternatives are probably JMU/VT which OP's kid isn't excited about. I'd tell them they still need to apply to those to keep their options open while also considering OOS flagships that give merit.

Are the LACs that will match W&M any better than UMW or UVA Wise?

Depends on what is "better" for the individual. It's not a 1-size-fits-all answer.

Translation: no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. To clarify, I’m looking at options for students with high stats and an in-state budget who still may get rejected from W&M/UVA, but the student is not that excited about Tech/JMU as alternative schools. I understand to get merit they won’t be as highly ranked at WM/UVA. Where else should we look? Thanks to those who already answered.

OP here. Should add that we want DC to be within a 6-8 hour drive. Don’t want to deal with airfare and such. So probably places like Grinnell are out, although I’m sure it’s lovely.

Ha ha. If you’re kid doesn’t get into UVA or William and Mary in state they sure as hell aren’t getting into Grinnell either - especially with merit. Grinnell had a 10 percent acceptance rate last year. So you needn’t worry about it.

Ick. Drugs, isolated, freezing cold weather, lack of diverse viewpoints—- and, where the heck is the nearest emergency room?!?

Glad you love it, good for you!