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<p>No one ever said EVERYBODY tells the truth here either, regarding finances. BUT when someone makes an outlandish claim, folks in the know are quick to point out that this is unlikely (like the person with millions of dollars in assets who claimed he had gotten need based aid…and no…he did not qualify for the simplified needs test).</p>
<p>Discussing college finances with family and friends is a hot potato. Folks tell you what they want to tell you. We knew someone who got a “$10,000 merit award” from Wellesley, and another person who claimed to have gotten a full merit ride to Penn. I actually have a neighbor who told me he falsified info on his FAFSA so that his kid would get more need based aid…seriously. </p>
<p>The OP and others need to know that THEY do not know the inner family finances of each family…and most families are not going to discuss this at the neighborhood party.</p>