Parents of the HS Class of 2013

[carimama]

Okay ... Freaking out here. Seriously. I just realized that the CSS profile is due today!!!! My part isn't difficult (easier when your underemployed and broke!). If only my computer would stop crashing. :/

Question: is my ex's portion due today also??? He's out of the country right now and I'm beginning to panic. Anyone have advice, info, or Xanax? Agh!!!

[my3gr8boyz]

Well, its easy for me to SAY don't panic, but what my son's school said was that today's date didn't have a bearing on the package, just that this was the deadline for which they would guarantee that the package and acceptance letter would arrive together. For a binding ED school, that shouldn't be too much of a deal breaker. I actually called admissions today to find out if it was a "end of business" deadline, or a midnight deadline, and she basically said don't worry about it... of course, I can only speak for the one school... Also, I do not have any Xanax, but my dogs do! (for storm anxiety) I don't know if they'd want to share their prescription!

[professionalmom]

GreekMana :
Can someone explain "likely letters" to me? Do all schools use them? Public and private? Are they sent out for EA/ED as well as RD? Does the school usually notify you first either by email or phone that you will get one? If anyone has one (and some extra time on your hands) and would like to type in what it says, I would love to see it. Thanks!"

I really had never heard of a "likely letter" before. I'm curious if it is indicative of future scholarship potential. My daughter applied RD and received the "likely letter" as typed in below....

Dear XXXX,

I'm sending this letter to offer a little peace of mind. You are an excellent student and when we begin releasing admission decisions in December, I am confident you will be offered admission to XXXXXX.

The December release of admission decisions allows time for us to thoroughly review individual applications and the applicant pool as a whole to ensure we are admitting students who are the most prepared to succeed at XXXXXX and contribute to our dynamic campus community. If we were to begin making decisions too early, space would begin to fill before some very good students apply.

However, there is no reason to delay letting students of your caliber know that we will have a spot for you at XXXXXX.

This is not your official admission letter; you can expect that to arrive shortly after we begin releasing admission decisions on December 7. But this is intended to help you start planning for the future. We want you at XXXXXX and I am confident our University will offer the opportunities you seek.

I am delighted that you are exploring a future at XXXXXX and wish you well as you complete your high school career. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX
Dean of Admissions"

[carimama]

My3gr8boys- lol at the puppy xanex. I was kidding too. I don't use that stuff. This is for an EA but not ED HMFR school. Ugh. See what happens when i spend too much time away from CC? LOL! That being said, how am I supposed to estimate D's income next summer if she's never held a regular job. I wish I knew what I would be making next year. Forget D's income!

@Pro - congrats on that letter!

[Youdon'tsay]

I want one of those letters!

[professionalmom]

Compared to many people on CC, her stats are decent but not extraordinary. We would be OOS for this university and she is a girl interested in engineering (translation: URM?)

Does anyone know if a "likely letter" implies scholarship money?

Thanks.

[SteveMA]

mommaof5--something is off on your information. A school won't give a student $5000 more than the school costs to attend.

professionalmom--not all schools use the LL. As for the scholarship money, it depends on the school and if they offer automatic merit aid, etc.

[SteveMA]

DS is off to visit his HMFR!!! He is so excited. Some friends got tickets to the football game this weekend and several Dad's and Sons are going for the weekend. Not only does he get to visit the school, it's a great guy's weekend. Us girls, we will get pedicures or something fun like that .

[carimama]

^ I'd say have fun, but that's a given ... I'll wish YOU a happy, relaxing, non-college app weekend. LOL!!!

[SteveMA]

carimama--yes, it's nice to be done with all that insanity . DD may have to put together some scholarship apps this weekend but they are pretty low key applications, but good $$$. One is for $4000/year for 4 years, one is $2000/year for 4 years and one is $1500/year for 4 years. The $4000 on has gone to a girl from our school several times over the past 6 years so she has a very good shot of getting that one (she is the only girl from our school eligible for that award at our school). If she gets that one her final college cost is down to about $3000/year. Liking THAT number!!1

[Ama308]

Steve...liking that number a LOT
Have a fun girls weekend too....

Hope everyone has a calm and restful weekend before the Holiday madness starts.....

[mommaof5]

SteveMa - I am using the automatic scholarship info., my DS's ACT 34, class rank of top 1%, and NMF (ok hoping for that)

In state kid gets:
~ Nat'l Merit - $750 - $2000 (depends on need - I used $750)
~Special Merit Scholarship - $2000
~Honors College State Scholarship - $2000
~Professors Assistantship - $2500 (paid stipend)
Total package $7250 In state COA $21,200

OOS kid gets:
~Nat'l Merit - $750 - $2000 (again used $750)
~Merit Recognition Scholarship $4000 plus room & board and silver meal plan ($8,526 value)
~Honors College National Scholarship - $10,000
~Honors College Tuition Grant - in state tuition rate ($19,958 value)
~ Professors Assistantship - $2500 (paid stipend)
Total package $45,734 OOS COA $41,158

I was told my DS would qualify for all of the in state scholarships simultaneously so I am assuming OOS kids would also. I'm getting sick just typing this up!

[mommaof5]

To clarify on the UChicago question: the Secondary School Report is considered part of the High School Transcript. So if that is shown as received you are good to go!

[SteveMA]

mommaof5--I would check with the financial aid office to clarify before getting too worked up. If they are trying to pump up their top student profile, it is what it is. Look at all the OOS students applying to Alabama for the same reason. Realistically though, it is going to amount to very few kids overall.

If nothing else, the funds in excess of the COA would be taxable to the student.

[SteveMA]

I should add that our in-state flagship gives WAY better merit aid for OOS students as well. Our kids didn't apply to any instate schools because they cost WAY more than the OOS public schools and ANY private they applied to after merit aid.