<p>Thank you everyone for your continued help. I understand, cptofthehouse and thumper1, that financial aid at any university is a case of “your mileage may vary.” The only solution I know for this is to apply to more colleges, especially those that have the lowest cost of attendance after average grant awards. That is what I am doing.</p>
<p>Further, I do realize that merely gaining acceptance into the likes of Harvard is a long shot. When I brought up Harvard it was to note that I had erred by using it as a basis for my generalizations, which has now been established thoroughly.</p>
<p>Thank you 2collegewego for suggesting 529 plans; I’ll mention that to Mom tomorrow. If all else fails, she can consult with her attorney to find the best way to shelter my money without it being affected in the divorce. For although I do plan to pay for college with the money, it’s the only money that anyone in my family has saved. Thus, if 20% of my savings is reduced from my financial grant each year, then (0.8)^4 = only 41% of my savings that can actually substantially contribute to lowering my family’s expense. The other 59% is effectively eaten up.</p>
<p>Do you guys have any other wisdom to impart on me, or do I now know everything about the process that would help me take meaningful action?</p>