Reply to Maximum HHI for obtaining financial aid?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, can you clarify? Are you asking what the maximum HHI is to qualify for need based aid at a metro DC private school? If so, the answer is “it depends.” This topic is raised periodically on DCUM and people will start saying they are receiving or not receiving aid at varying levels. Yes, the modelers do have algorithms that they provide to the schools with the application, but in the end folks with the same HHI are offered aid at varying levels or at all from school to school.

This topic has not been raised for some time so you may spark some internet, which is always entertaining. However, if you are unsure whether yoir family will qualify, the only real way to know is to apply - and should you be offered admissions but low or no aid, be sure to talk to the FA manager (sometimes the finance manager), let them know you can only accept with aid and see how that effects the outcome. Anecdotal evidence seems to indicate the initial award is only a starting point, open for discussion.

One final point - if you are looking at the more competitive schools, you think you may be borderline eligible, and your child is a borderline candidate with strong interest, DO NOT apply for aid - in that situation applying guarantees you a waitlisting...

Good luck![/quote]

Not completely true. Everyone I know who goes to Big 5 are on substantial FA. Depending on circumstances it doesn’t sway admissions. [/quote

] Then everyone you know exists in a very limited part of the spectrum of wealth and assets. The majority of attendees at the top schools do not receive FA.  Yes, many do, but certainly not as ,any as you imply. Just hang out at carpool for 10 minutes at any of our elites and you will get a sense of the intense wealth that is concentrated in the elite schools.  If OP’s is a family with HHI in low 200’s and their DC is keen on a top school but not exceptional in every way then applying for FA is a sure fire way to decrease chances of admission. Anyone denying this is blind to the reality of private schools...[/quote]

This was our experience. DC with strong, balanced academic/activity/athletic profile applying to HS. Applied to the 5 top schools and one next tier. One offer of admissions with no FA from top schools. WL at rest of to- schools yet offered admissions and 50% FA at next tier. This when lesser profiled, full paid applicants we know well we’re all offered to[ school admissions. Ours is a two working parent family with HHI $260K. On that income in DC we are unable to turn down close to $100K in aid. Needless to say, DC initially disappointed but now motivated, top of the class, and happy at the next tier school - no regrets...but we learned the reality of elite schools the hard way...[/quote]

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