This is true - but if the student is full pay - that’s what he said although he should run a NPC to see -
If the student is full pay, the COA is well above budget and the college gives no merit, there is zero reason to get to the point where you get an acceptance - and you can whittle the list down now b4 you start.
That’s all I’m saying.
If OP says, my family would ideally like to spend $40K but is willing to spend $50K and we ran a net price calculator or two and we are full pay - then you can take PENN, Cal and Dartmouth off the list right now. CMU and NYU do have merit - not sure how much - but if it’s a possible to hit the # - you leave it on - as long as you have a school to hit your # - Pitt.
But to keep Penn, Dartmouth or Cal on up front when there is zero way to come in the ballpark of your desire - again, using a # I made up - you whittle that now - and if you want Ivy, you say - ok, Penn is out but I’ll replace with Rice or Vandy, etc. - places where merit isn’t easy - but at least it’s possible.
But until we have a # - there’s no reason to discuss.
OP’s parents may say - you could go to Arizona or Alabama for $20K…do that!!!
We just don’t know.