<p>The distinction between student’s family wealth in the public vs. private schools is an artificial one. Looking at Kiplinger’s list of the best value public and private schools, once you get past the first 5 or so privates with the very best aid, the average debt at graduation for the publics and privates starts to look almost the same [Best</a> Values in Public Colleges, 2011-12](<a href=“http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/colleges/]Best”>Best College Values, 2019 | Kiplinger) [Best</a> Values in Private Colleges, 2011-12](<a href=“http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/privatecolleges/]Best”>Kiplinger | Personal Finance News, Investing Advice, Business Forecasts) There are kids from all financial strata at both publics and privates. There are many more wealthy families than can fit their kids into the tippy top schools, or that can qualify for entrance into these schools. With admissions rates in the 5-15% at many of these schools, <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/14155721-post26.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/14155721-post26.html</a> 85+ % of these kids go somewhere else, public or private. There are lots of wealthy kids at our state Flagship. We have a generous merit /tuition scholarship and some families send their kids there and then buy them a luxury car (ridiculous, as far as I am concerned).</p>
<p>The bottom line is that people may feel uncomfortable if they are around people with whom they may feel they have little in common, or where they may feel in the minority. But this is true for lots of things, not just financial means. Does not matter one iota about the “number” of toys or luxuries a person has. Kids nowadays have more “tools” (mostly electronics) but they aren’t usually flashy about it. The people that flash their wealth are the ones that may make others uncomfortable. I wonder if it has anything to do with schools that have or don’t have greek systems. Just a thought. </p>
<p>I went to a school with people with the last name of Roosevelt and Kennedy and Kellogg and Newhouse, and, coming from a middle class family, I certainly was not in their financial class nor run in their social circles, but they typically wore jeans and hiking boots and tshirts like the rest of us (this was the 70’s). They didn’t run around in the dress they wore to their cotillion or debutante ball. Occasionally you’d spot a blazer or a signet ring, but they weren’t tacky about flashing wealth or their picture on the society page of the NY Times. Except for the one girl who drove her MG onto the sidewalk. But thats another story.</p>
<p>So back to the OP (who seems to have left the thread)-- go to a school you can afford. Its a shame if you missed a filing deadline, but things happen. If you have financially affordable schools that you like, then end of discussion.</p>