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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]FA isn’t just about SES.  I’ve literally been told by a school - in writing no less - that their FA was intended to diversify the school, which we don’t do.  Admitted, yes.  Being white meant no FA.[/quote]

My family is white and we are at a top 5 on 66% FA.

I can tell you know that while my daughter has had incredible teachers and a wonderful experience, the reality is, it is expensive and as they get older in high school and there are opportunities, trips, and all the expenses of junior/senior year, you will wonder why you ever did it. These kids are handed everything and it g ets tough when you can’t afford the 5 figure tutors, the most expensive private college counselor, or take the 5K test prep course.  Not to mention that a white kid who needs aid for college is not well received. The URM’s have their choices. The rich whites can get into anything that isn’t need blind. The FA whites struggle, even with fantastic GPA’s. They aren’t inflated enough for in-state schools and privates don’t see you as a valuable asset when someone with a slightly lower GPA will not only pay but donate money.

Be grateful you will save the money.  Save it for tutors, vacations, colleges, etc... 
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We are living this very scenario right now.  Unless you are an athlete or some rare musician, going to private school is not worth unless you are willing to spend more money in it.  Test preps classes are minimum $3000 and that is with groups.  Private tutors are $100/hr. Private college preparers are about $20,000.  Each SAT or ACT is another $50+.  SAT subject tests, AP test fees.  $100 application fees for colleges.  Then you have to PAY to submit your test scores to college (what an f'ing scam) and also have to pay to do the FAFSA and CSS for the schools.  Then there are prom attire, graduation outfits, trips for Beach Week that cost $1500, kids in brand new cars driving to school that are nicer than the staff parking lot. My kid doesn't even have a car.  There is SO much we have to say no to and so much we just drop our jaws in the expenses others think are just like handing a $5 bill.  Don't even get me started on the fundraising, and the parent parties, and the auctions.  I am grateful they allow so many kids on FA to go to the school, but it has been so tough to watch my daughter in middle class think she is a "has not."  I know she knows we aren't poor and I know she appreciates what she has, but it doesn't really present itself in lower grades the way it does in high school.

So unless you child needs a smaller atmosphere or has a need only a private school can fill, then you REALLY have to sit back and think of the finances for the long haul. How you could help your child out with that money saved.  If you are a minority, I absolutely do think it is worth it though.  Those kids get into amazing schools and rightfully so.  I also think kids that need some help can get it in lower and middle school and then go into public high school and do just fine.  I truly regret not moving to public high school.  She really wanted to stay, but the last 2 years have been extremely stressful for her and she now regrets not going back to public.

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