<p>Your dad’s new household is an average size. His contribution is not going to be significantly impacted because he has two kids and a wife. None of those kids are in college…where the real savings in family contribution comes.</p>
<p>You mention “average” grants. Be very careful with these averages. Remember that with averages, there are those who get significantly LESS and those who get MORE. You have no way of knowing which way YOU will fall on those averages.</p>
<p>In my opinion, the ONLY school that comes close to Harvard in terms of generosity for need based aid is Stanford. </p>
<p>But you have to be accepted to benefit from their generous aid! 95% of applicants do NOT get accepted, and in that rejected group are a ton of very well qualified applicants. </p>
<p>If you have an affordable sure thing in your application pile, you are fine. </p>
<p>Just be VERY prepared to walk away from any school where the money does not come through.</p>