| >>I was under the impression that FA packages were "Better" RD. I guess I just assumed that and what that really means is one is able to compare and possibly negotiate?>>
Well...UPenn is a school that meets full need. It doesn't matter when you get accepted, they will meet your need as THEY determine your need to be. It will not vary whether it's ED or RD.
Schools that do not meet full need, and have an ED option, may not give you as good a package ED. Simply put...you have committed to attending their school. What incentive do they need to give you? None. So, in that case, your financial aid might actually be BETTER regular decision....when they are trying to encourage you to accept their offer. Of course, that would assume that you are a student who they want to attract to their school.
Re: ED...if finances are a consideration...you should NOT (repeat DO NOT) apply ED. By doing so, you will have only one acceptance and only one bite at the financial aid apple...the one from the ED school.
Now...to the $250,000 per year income. With three students in college at the same time, you "might" (notice...might...no guarantees) qualify for a bit of need based aid. In my opinion, however, it is unlikely that it will be very substantial. That income is five times the national family average.
There are some schools with new finaid guidelines (I don't think UPenn is in that group) that is awarding need based aid to families with incomes of $150,000 or less. With three kids in college, I'm not sure how that type of school would consider your family's income.
I personally think that your best bet is to look at some schools that award merit aid...there are a ton of very fine schools...and if you have the stats to really get into UPenn..you might qualify for merit aid elsewhere. |