<p>*make sure you and your parents really understand the financial aid situation before you make a decision based primarily on finances. Don’t just assume that real estate holdings will keep you from getting aid at more selective schools–do the research. *</p>
<p>I don’t know the extent of your family’s real estate holdings but I know that with our few rentals, our EFC is so high that even having 2 in school at the same time qualifies us for nothing. </p>
<p>So, if the family has a good income and owns a few pieces of real estate (in addition to the primary home), it’s doubtful that even HYP would give them anything.</p>
<p>The student says his family owns “a lot” of real estate…that doesn’t sound like one or two properties…that sounds like several or more. </p>
<p>Rader…ask your parents how much they are comfortable spending each year on college. With that number and some merit scholarships, many schools will work for you and your stats.</p>