<p>*Thanks!
I can afford the cost (barely) without merit although that would be nice.
*</p>
<p>Then I would have him take the ACT again and have him take the SAT. Better scores can mean a nice merit award. What state school is this?</p>
<p>If you can “barely” afford the costs, then getting some merit will give you some breathing room. It’s highly unlikely you’re going to go all 4 years without several major unexpected expenses come up…major car repairs, new tires, dental work, major appliance replacement, home repair…these things seem to pop up every few months.</p>
<p>Plus, there are a number of unexpected expenses associated with college that aren’t included in the COA. Parents Weekend can easily be a $1000. If you help with move in, there’s often hotel costs. And, of course, all the expenses associated with getting a dorm set up.</p>