<p>* At this stage, let it go and get her hyped about one of the other schools.*</p>
<p>^^^ This.</p>
<p>The fact that you are still trying to get more money from BU and considering large loans is not a good idea. </p>
<p>For one thing, BU isn’t likely going to budge (or budge much), and taking out large loans is a horrific and life-strangling idea.</p>
<p>For another reason, it is delaying the attachment that your D needs to be forming with the best of the rest of the choices. I’m guessing that you’ve requested a delayed decision with the other schools. If not, then I suggest you call them back today to find out if their offers are still available. </p>
<p>I know it’s very difficult to tell your D that a dream school isn’t affordable after you both probably celebrated her acceptance and maybe told a bunch of people that she’s going there. </p>
<p>I may be reading between the lines, but if it’s just been the two of you together for a long time, then you’re likely incredibly close and that can make it harder to “be the parent” and say, “sorry honey, this just isn’t affordable, you’re going to have to go to ________.” (And if you have other kids, then it’s especially a bad idea to be borrowing/co-signing when there are others to put thru college)</p>