I don’t disagree with you about the OOS state schools. UNC-CH is my alma mater so obviously I’m a bit biased there and would like her to apply. As I said, I know I definitely need to run NPC but if it is similar to when D20 was applying we could get some need there. She is not a Morehead candidate (no sports to meet the athletic component) but will apply for Robertson and Stem Scholars. All are BIG reaches but are worth a shot with her stats and interests. UGA would absolutely require at least a 1/2 tuition to stay in the running, more realistically full - again we know this is a stretch but they have ALL the options as far as majors and really incredible course depth/electives so we’re going to give it a shot!
The struggle is that the big state research instutions are more likely have the range and depth of courses she is looking for (including possible progression right into grad coursework) but are much bigger reaches as far as hitting the merit needed.
Hawaii is on our list to check into as is USF. In the past USF has given full COA to NMF so we’re waiting to see if that is still the case when their updated scholarship guidelines are released in Sept. On paper, Alabama makes complete sense to include but she is simply not interested in attending there. Same with some of the other MS, FL or TX schools mentioned. To be candid - if she is going to attend a more southern/conservative school, she’ll probably just do it in our own state.
Her school has a weekly college counseling seminar class for Seniors which just started back this week and a great college counseling department so we’ll also be leaning heavily on them for additional guidance as we move forward. It is not unusual for many of their students to get into T-20s or get premier scholarships so they can better advise which ones she might actually be competitive for and which ones we should drop in favor of others. We’re super grateful for this support as D20 had a different counselor every year of hs and they were all much more focused on graduation requirements vs. any sort of college advising.