This is a bit concerning. Often, students apply to rolling admission colleges and/or colleges with early action where some notify of acceptances before the holidays. When is your kid’s first decision due to be released? Do you need/want suggestions on schools your kid might still apply to?
On another thread you said your student was applying EA with an Oct 15 deadline. Any school with that deadline has sent out admission decisions by now. Was your student deferred?
Some schools will ‘negotiate’ but I would encourage you not to enter in any discussions with a ‘negotiation’ mindset. That tends to not go over very well. Some, typically more selective schools, will match need based aid from other schools, some won’t. No downside to asking, should that be a situation you find yourself in. As for merit aid, many schools will increase their offers if asked, but typically an extra $1k to $5k, not $20K. Best to have a number in mind ‘we need to get to total COA of $50K and if you can do that I will commit to attend’. It’s ok for parents to be involved with financial aid conversations but the kid should be on the call too and ideally leading the conversation.
Based on another one of your threads it looks like you won’t qualify for need based aid and have a budget of $20K. There are few four year colleges that will get to that price even for top students. Posters could be most helpful if you share your list and confirm this is still the correct budget. Did your student apply to at least one college that is highly likely for admission and guaranteed to meet your budget?
Most schools won’t entertain an appeal of the admission decision, unless as others said there was some material error in the transcript.
Most schools have clear tables on their websites that show what AP test scores they will accept for credit. Your kid may or may not want to accept credits, especially if they have medical school aspirations.
Understanding all deadlines is critical. Some schools do have separate deadlines and deposits for housing.
Not sure what question 8 means.