If you have two schools that are very similar in rank, test scores, GPAs and would be drawing on the same applicant pool, but one has a lower sticker than the other, they can given what they consider “equivalent scholarships” and the higher-priced school still comes out higher. Which is why I was focusing on cost-to-attend.
I have spoken to the FA offices- it seems they don’t really look at your exceptional circumstances unless you question how they got the number you did. Then they tell you to appeal even though most of the info was in the CSS!
Well, the merit money is guaranteed(with reasonable GPA, etc.!) The merit awards are very substantial - the amount of aid we think we need is small relative to the size of the scholarships. We have some exceptional circumstances that are probably a bit more nuanced/unusual than what FA is probably used to, but which were explained on the CSS. I think the schools involved don’t necessarily make you redo CSS every year, either.
It would be nice if my son could choose the best school and not have to automatically say no to the one because of the billing difference. There’s less self-doubt that way, I think. And of course decisions from the deep-pocketed schools that define need much more broadly won’t come out for another month and a half, but may not be as good a fit as the schools he’s already in.
Thank you, everyone. Given the discussion here, I think I will probably share since they asked and I told them I was hesitant to share and they still would like me to.