HUGE Post, but I really need help/advice

Ray516
Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:08:13 +0000

Hey, it’s the OP again.

Well, the first thing I should say is that I don’t plan out taking out over 100K in loans. According to the calculator on FinAid.org, my EFC w/ my mother included as a family member would be around $2,000. From what I understand, the top schools will cover the rest of tuition, room, and board, and some schools (like Princeton) have loan-free financial aid packages. And if my dad does end up moving and getting a job where he makes $50,000-60,000, then the calculated EFC is supposed to be around $14,000.

How accurate is that FinAid.org calculator anyway? I know colleges obviously factor in a lot more info, but is it a good ballpark estimate?

And also, from what I understand according to [url=http://www.finaid.org/calculators/dependency.phtml]this[/url], if you’re attending graduate school then you’re automatically an independent student? Will I get the same deal where I get 100% of need when applying to graduate school?

Also, some people said that med school works differently, and from what I infer, I would have a much tougher time paying for it. Can somebody please elaborate?

Thanks,
Ray