I think your mother provided an accurate description which is to her credit and to yours. And, depending upon the school you apply to, it could actually help you. Wash U would prefer your application to another student who is in the lower side of the economic continuum. But it mostly will not impact one way or another. I assume you and your mom acknowledge that you are not in need of financial aid. That does not preclude merit awards at all. Your mother told the truth-good ethics-and won’t harm. What should she have done? Lie?