<p>Carolyn:
I agree with Originaloog. The SYSTEM is the SYSTEM. I am not happy with the situation either, however, if our family did not take every advantage that the system afforded us, We would not be able to afford our kid’s education. </p>
<p>I would argue that when one considers a college education- IT IS NOT ABOUT THE COST! but the knowledged gained. Sometime you get a lot of knowledge for very little cost and other times its going to cost you alot. Only until one examines the options are you able to determine the true VALUE. </p>
<p>Would anyone turn down merit aid if offered? IF one school offers more financial aid than another, which school would you choose? If the schools are the same caliber? If the school were of different tiers?</p>
<p>If you take the analogy concerning your personal taxes, You’d be foolish NOT to take every tax deduction and advantage afforded to by law, wouldn’t you? And if friends and family (other people, tax accountant) knew that if you DID NOT take tax advantages, they would think you stupid rather than generous(?)</p>
<p>Would you also apply the same self-sacrificing attitude for admissions to the college of your choice and let some other person take your kid’s place?</p>
<p>I assure you that when it comes to $$, even the best educated, barely have a clue. Two examples; The time to do FAFSA is two years prior to entering higher ed, because FAFSA looks back 2 years. Are you doing a 529 to get the your state’s tax deduction, whether your kid needs it or not, and regardless of your [parent-EFC] contribution. I would also say that the best educated THINK “they know it all.” </p>
<p>And perhaps the only way to change the SYSTEM is to do so from within.</p>