<p>I would agree. My children’s colleges told us not to bother unless the scholarships were prestigious or very large - because they would reduce the aid given by the school (i.e. not the student or parent contribution). They don’t stack. So the time spent trying to get one is often not warranted.</p>
<p>I do remember my child turning down one college (I’m still miffed at the cavalier attitude) when we called to inquire about the unusually low award. The response of the college was “apply for five scholarships a day and you might get some.” (sic). My daughter’s chosen college was more forthcoming. They said it wasn’t worth the effort expended and the time was better spent enjoying the campus and her work-study job (which she loved and which would go away if the outside scholarships were too large).</p>
<p>So we don’t bother. The middle class is truly stuck in the “middle”.</p>