<p>DD has been advised that she is required to apply to in-state academic/financial safeties, and that if none of her other (pricey) LACs come through with sufficient financial and merit aid, she will be attending a safety. She is determined not to attend a state safety school, and I am equally determined that we won’t be saddled with enormous debt. I have also steered her to a school that I think will admit her, award her the best aid, and ultimately be a better match for her than her current favorite school.</p>
<p>DD is not being forced to apply to schools known for good aid, but she understands that of any schools to which she is admitted that the aid package will have great bearing on where she attends. No geographic limitations. To me, that is a good compromise for families like ours with limited means.</p>