<p>My senior was accepted to Rice but even with a National Merit Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, family 8k loan we still don’t have enough. My senior really wants to attend Rice and attending Owls Day didn’t make it any better. The deadline for accepting is in 4 days and I don’t know what else to try. We don’t have any additional money to give but we are also being told we are not a need base family. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Is a student Stafford loan included in this package? If not, that might make up the shortfall. I assume your student will be working this summer to earn money to contribute. What about an on-campus job this fall? If your student really, really wants to go to Rice and you are making a sacrifice for this, then I don’t think it’s unfair to ask your student to make a sacrifice as well. Especially if there are more affordable schools your student could attend. </p>
<p>Did you meet with the financial aid people during Owl days and ask them to reassess your situation? If not, give them a call and ask what they can do for you.</p>
<p>DS is in exact same position. He will be attending state flagship honors pgm in the fall. There was a great deal of heartache over the decision since Rice is perfect in every way and he had his sights set on it for a year.</p>
<p>DS ultimately preferred to complete undergrad without debt (and no interest accumulating through grad school), allowing him time to participate in research, possibly intern as a volunteer and work unencumbered towards all the things that will fund a top PhD program.</p>
<p>I feel so much guilt over this and am having trouble letting go. DS gave it his best shot with the Rice admins but now is embracing his new plan.</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling guilty about this. I firmly believe that there is more than one school at which a student can find a good fit and get a great education. Your son will continue to thrive and excel wherever he is planted. Who knows what opportunities may come his way because he is at the state flagship instead of Rice?</p>
<p>Can the OP’s son/daughter take a gap year and go work?</p>
<p>Hi HopesForTheBest, How many school did your son apply? My son is a senior in Texas this year. It is sad to hear that. I hope he does enjoy whatever school he is in now. It is guilt for me as a parent if I helpless doing nothing so I can understand your feeling. </p>
<p>The question “Is applying more schools going to help to eliminate this case?” My son is going to apply a lot of schools to get the best FA offering and the most suitable school for him. I really don’t want my son to make the decision because parents. Let me know if it is make any different?</p>