<p>None of the “super reaches” give merit aid, except Duke with the Robertson but it’s incredibly difficult to get.
Essentially, top 25 universities don’t need to entice students with money: thousands flock to them without any need of financial enticement, all more qualified than the previous one. Merit aid is common at universities ranked 40+ or LACs ranked 30+. However, you may need a full tuition scholarship and the pickings become even slimmer.
Right now, it’s possible Chris will get into some of his “reach” schools, but if the NPC is taken into account, you’re unlikely to be able to afford the price tag purely on need-based aid, which all of the super-reaches would involve, as well as many reaches.
Make sure Chris understands you can afford 15-20k out of pocket and the rest would have to come from his father and/or grandparents, and if they don’t add the rest of the money, he’ll have to walk away from these offers. Specify schools don’t give financial aid based on what you think you need, but on what they think you need.
Follow UBCAlumnus’ formula to see you best-case scenario and worst-case scenario EFCs.
Add match and safety schools. If financial aid comes through at Stanford or his other top schools, then he’ll joke his mom was a worrywart. But if financial aid doesn’t come through, he won’t be stuck or shut out. He’s worked hard and if he makes a good list, he could enjoy a great college experience and a wide array of choices. </p>