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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I can’t afford a top school for DD unless I spend my life savings, which I’m not willing to do. 
But I’m sad that she worked hard in high school and can’t apply to anything that will cost more than in state. 
Her friends are applying to ivy schools because they qualify for financial aid and they can afford to go there if they get in. 
DD could likely get into a top 20 school but wouldn’t get merit aid there. 
Just a vent. [/quote]

You can get a lot of merit aid. My kids both did. Also, please do not accept that there is not a way to make this work out. Don't be lazy. Look at all options and financial aid etc...... and yes you may have to use some of your savings? Do you not have a 529 plan? Also, if you are paying out of pocket for college you can definitely get a tax deduction for it. Please keep an open mind and dont just assume it won't work out. [/quote]

[b]Name the T20 schools your kids got into with Merit.  Because most simply don't give much merit.  I don't consider 15-25 merit awards for 1500+ freshman "much merit".  When acceptance rates are single digits, your odds of getting in AND getting merit are close to 0.  SO sure, apply and hope and not have anywhere to go that you can afford.  Or assume those are unlikely, and have a great list of targets and safeties you will actually be able to afford. [/b]

[/quote]
This. My high stats kid had a choice of full rides T25 no merit (not hooked) or dropping down below -  I would say T40 - to get significant aid. He did not get any aid from Ivies, top publics and private SLACs. He was offered full ride at very small colleges you’ve never heard of.  They were very clear the award was in exchange for his high ACT. Fortunately, he got into UVA (no merit - no Jefferson scholarship) and did very well and had a great time at a reasonable price point.[/quote]

Someone qualified for T25 lottery tickets will typically do well with merit in the 25-75/100 range.  My 1500/8AP/3.98UW did well and we were not even chasing merit.  Got ultimately rejected at every T25, WL at Tufts, NEU first year abroad, and accepted everywhere else, most with great merit ($25K-42K from 5 different schools), including good merit at their top safety ($30K at a school that was ~$75K all in that year I believe).  Had we required merit, they could have found places that cost us only $20-25K all in.  Our 2nd state school would have been $15K after merit, and is ranked in T130.  Had we needed money, they would be there or our state flagship (T50) for ~$30K/year.

People need to stop complaining they cannot afford schools with single digit acceptance rates.  Instead focus on crafting a great list of target/safeties your kid really likes and that will be affordable for you.  [/quote]

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