I thought it would be nice to create a thread where those who have experiences and those who have knowledge about applying with substantial FA could give tips and information. A “game plan” of sorts. I assume that “substantial” FA means around 60% or larger, but this could be helpful to those who need 20%-50% FA as well.
A few questions to inspire discussion (please add and answer more!):
How can those who need substantial FA seem like more desirable candidates?
How wide of a range of schools is recommended?
Is there a preferable number of schools to apply to?
Are FA applicants encouraged to reach out more to the admissions/FA office?
I can only speak from our experience which was pretty unique, so don’t take it as advice. We only applied to one boarding school that was a very good match and is not as competitive as many discussed here. We were quickly upfront about aid being crucial. We weren’t sure it would work out as they have a small endowment. But… because we were very clear it was our ONLY school choice they were assured that we would commit fully(this was included in the parent essay). The financial award was in keeping with what was needed for 4 years of school. They invested in her.
I don’t think you can really have a game plan as such (other than not applying only to Exeter and Andover, which you already learned). I think you have to 1) be someone who a school clearly would like to admit (and I doubt that all the reasons for that are as quantifiable as many would like them to be) and 2) get incredibly lucky.
The first thing I would do is, for a sanity check, to check the Financial Aid documents, PFS (Parents’ Financial Statement) that your parents filed. After filing it, they should have the Family Contribution Report showing EFC (Estimated Family Contribution). Tuition minus EFC is the estimated FA amount which the schools may or may not match.
A lot of people are shocked to find much higher EFC than they planned. Depending on family, if EFC is very high and the estimated FA is rather small, it may be worthwhile considering applying as FP rather than cutting the acceptance chances by half.
My son received 50% financial aid as an international. I am very sure it’s because of his under represented nationality.
Like JDewey, it was the only school he applied for as well… so maybe a theme there??. I remember reading somewhere a parent writing that her son applied at a school they felt he was overqualified for, not a great fit, but they were hoping for FA. I found that interesting because it indicates schools are looking for the “best fit” student who REALLY wants to attend, rather than offer money to “superior” student.
The best game plan for someone needing substantial FA is to have a hook. There are many hooks (geographic, URM, legacy, developmental case, etc). Since you can’t possibly change your race, legacy status or geographic location, there isn’t a whole lot.
EXCEPT for athletics. Most of the big boarding schools are always looking for top athletes to fill their sports teams. If you are a high impact athlete (meaning that you can start on varsity as a freshman, or that you have a really good shot at making a college roster) then this can make a difference when you apply. Especially if the coach really wants you.
The star athletes are always more plentiful for boys as compared to girls. There are also a few sports which schools find it difficult to get top prospects (who are also academically qualified): hockey, football, lax. There are also the sports which are not commonplace: water polo, squash, fencing, crew, sailing. Part of the reason there aren’t many top athletes in these sports are because of the expensive lessons, equipment and training required to excel. There are also some sports where good athletes are a dime-a-dozen: soccer, tennis, swimming, golf, XC, basketball.
So if you want to improve your chances next year (with FA): consider taking up a sport where there is a shortage of applicants. Keep in mind that most of these sports takes several years to become proficient enough to get a coach’s attention. You can’t just show up to the fencing nationals after taking a few lessons and expect to do well. But if you had to focus your efforts somewhere to improve next year, this may be one way. Good luck.