<p>The problem with this whole system is that you don’t know what you will be getting offered at the onset. Maybe all will work out well with your getting acceptance at your top choices with acceptable financial aid packages. Maybe not. </p>
<p>If your family has a limit on what goes towards your college education, you need to have some financial safeties on your list that pretty much guarantee that cost for you. They can be local schools wherer you commute, state schools, schools where the chances are very good that merit money would come your way. Along with those schools, you would add those schools where the on line calculators indicate that your need is likely to be met by them. You can always put a few schools where there are risks that the need will not be met and hope that something pans out, but do leave yourself some safeties.</p>
<p>My son’s best friend was accepted to nearly all of his choices, but financial aid was abysmal. The need was defined at levels the family had expected, so merit awards and state programs became important factors. With sticker prices well in the mid $50K range for many private schools, and with so many students needing financial aid, most applicants find that the offerings are not generous.</p>