Anonymous wrote:If your options in state were all regional universities, not the top 3 state schools (total reaches due to fierce competition), would you look out of state for other options? Florida fwiw.

UCF, FIU and USF are all great tier 2 publics

Also- if your kid really wants one of the top three, he can always transfer- there are many pathways that a lot of people take to get into schools like UF. Kind of like in NOVA- a lot of people do the two years in community college for the guaranteed transfer to UVA or William and Mary - it's easier and cheaper. In the end, no one cares how you got there. While some of these kids may have not gotten in if/when they applied as seniors- there are still some that either got in or could have, but really wanted to save on costs. College expense is no joke!

I would stay in FL. The in-state rates are very reasonable. What about USF, FAU or FGCU?

Honestly, I think Florida publics will give you the best options - especially with Bright Futures. However, even if your kid didn't get Bright Futures, the in-state costs (compared to in-state costs of other states) is very reasonable. For example, in-state William & Mary is more expensive than the OOS cost for Univ. of Florida. So being a Florida resident, you have some amazing options. Just don't get caught in having to attend UF, FSU or UCF. These schools have become way more competitive over the past few years. The good news is that Florida has other good public universities.

How does FIU compare?

It depends on your kid. You can always try to apply to another state school that might give money to make it more affordable. But the big state flagships are pretty hard to get into these days. Would Arizona be of interest?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To answer your question directly OP, unless your kid can get into one of the Top 10 public’s Mich, GA, UVA, UNC, UT Austin…. No, I do not think that schools like Rutgers, UMass, Texas A&M Ohio State etc will offer your child any better outcome in terms of ROI. But they may give a great vibe/experience being large sports schools.

Nice try.

TY for the useless contribution to the discussion.

Likewise.

I’ve posted up thread with some information for OP to consider. Have you?

Si

Regular decision results will be out this week (02/15) for Florida State and next week (02/23) for University of Florida. So keep your eyes open so you have a better idea of what kind of stats are currently needed for these schools. UCF has rolling decisions - high stats kids get admitted almost immediately (within weeks) - but kids who are on the border are deferred or rejected. If deferred, UCF will usually ask for updated test scores. If you are applying next year, I would submit applications to Florida schools early (I think mid October or by Nov. 1st - double check) - in order to get priority consideration for admission to UF, as well as priority consideration for scholarships. Especially for UCF, they typically run out of money by January/February and money is first come first serve. Also, while it is a pain in the butt to write yet another essay, it is worth it to apply to the Honors colleges.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To answer your question directly OP, unless your kid can get into one of the Top 10 public’s Mich, GA, UVA, UNC, UT Austin…. No, I do not think that schools like Rutgers, UMass, Texas A&M Ohio State etc will offer your child any better outcome in terms of ROI. But they may give a great vibe/experience being large sports schools.

Nice try.

TY for the useless contribution to the discussion.

Likewise.

I’ve posted up thread with some information for OP to consider. Have you?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To answer your question directly OP, unless your kid can get into one of the Top 10 public’s Mich, GA, UVA, UNC, UT Austin…. No, I do not think that schools like Rutgers, UMass, Texas A&M Ohio State etc will offer your child any better outcome in terms of ROI. But they may give a great vibe/experience being large sports schools.

Nice try.

TY for the useless contribution to the discussion.

Likewise.