Reply to Things You Wish You Knew When he/she was in 10th Grade

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]You need to figure out what your college budget is and then let your kid know. If $ is no object, great. But if you are limited to public schools, and private schools that will meet [b]your demonstrated need and/or offer merit $[/b], you need to let her know that. This will shape the list of schools you consider.

Other than that, nothing is more important that taking a rigorous course of study in Grade 11 and doing very well. She can always add an extra-curricular or 2, but the truth is that if she isn't already highly engaged in something and on track for a meaningful leadership position, then the extra-curricular probably won't matter much.

Also, figuring out a testing schedule is a great idea. Only reason to take Subject Test in Grade 10 is if she is in an AP class this year, and can use final AP exam prep as Subject Test prep.[/quote]

We have a junior who is starting to look at schools. Right now it's a fairly wide net and we haven't restricted any interest (DC has been slow to build interest in looking). Is there any way to gauge need or merit? I guess what I'm wondering is, I'd hate to say no based on the cost when I have no idea how much merit might be offered down the line.[/quote]

What can you afford to pay for four years?  That is your starting point.

To gauge need:  Run Net Price Calculators (NPC) for each school and determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) at the FAFSA website.

To gauge merit aid:  Look at the Common Data Set (CDS) for each school to determine if (1) it awards merit aid (many don't, most do, lose your attachment to brand names if you need it); and (2) whether your child is in the top 25% of admitted students, stats-wise.  Being in the top quartile will likely translate to merit aid.

The book The College Solution is an excellent step by step guide to finding a school that is both the right fit and affordable for you.[/quote]

Great advice!

This is the sobering reality:

[img]http://blogs-images.forbes.com/troyonink/files/2017/01/2017-EFC-Table.jpg[/img]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/troyonink/2017/01/08/2017-guide-to-college-financial-aid-the-fafsa-and-css-profile/

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