SgtDonut

Okay. I thought this was a relatively straightforward question. happymomof1, I would really appreciate you perhaps linking me to some of those threads or just telling me what I should search to find these threads because I all I really want is a comparison of different offers. For example, although I know there are many variables and all that, if someone says that one of the schools that I might not apply to because I don't predict a good aid package from them gave THEM a good package, that sort of information would be very helpful. Is my logic that flawed?

And I'm not really counting on any merit aid, nor am I really interesting in a dog and pony show for hundreds of kids where only three get the scholarship... Many of my schools may offer me some merit aid, but it would probably not cover my EFC and thus end up in my grants (thereby having no effect whatsoever on my actual family contribution).

happymomof1

All you can do is scroll down through those two forums, and keep your eyes peeled for comments that look useful. To start with take a look at the threads on NPCs. Some parents have compared the predicted & actual aid, and have named the colleges involved.

SgtDonut

So why would that be more helpful than what I am actually asking for?

happymomof1

SgtDonut,

If I understand you correctly, you want details about X, Y, and Z's relative generosity. That information is spread throughout this website. There is no one place to find it. You have to go look for it. I see multiple threads every day, but I don't retain all of the details.

The NPCs are new, so there has been discussion about their accuracy in several threads. Some posters have been forthcoming about the details of the aid packages vis a vis the predicted aid. Those threads are reasonable sources for the information that you appear to be seeking.

KKmama

The schools tend to be pretty specific about merit scholarships so there shouldn't be too many surprises if you've checked out the school's websites.

You are asking for information that we really can't provide. Surprises in financial aid offers is exactly that -unpredictable. As others have said, school Q may provide one person with one thing unexpectedly, but that doesn't mean that you will get it.

For example, when my oldest was looking at schools we drove to Philadelphia to attend an information program for the state school that she wanted to attend (school is in northern PA), even though we'd already visited the school and she had been accepted. We did this because her cousin was a student there and employed in the FA office. She'd given us the heads up that anyone who attended an information program and requested a campus job would get one. While we were there, we spoke with the FA director about qualifiying for personal loans, as most of her education would be financed by loans (NOT A GOOD IDEA). He promised her a job in the FA office, so that she would not have to line up to apply for a campus job. And then told her that he a meeting the next day with the math department to award a math scholarship (her major) and smiled, saying that she would be on his mind. She did indeed get the scholarship.

Great for her, but not helpful information for you.