<p>parabella,</p>
<p>Sorry to disagree, but I think most people choose their in-state U. as a financial safety - simply because other than community college it probably as the lowest tuition to start with.</p>
<p>Of, course those with 4.0 GPA, 2400 SAT, music prodigy, etc. can apply to almost anywhere and get great shcolarship offers - and those with so-so stats should already know that their parents better have some deep pockets (and if a legacy has no worries).</p>
<p>Hence, in-state U is expected to be a safety for most people sqeezed between the truly exceptional, and those who have deep pockets (not to mention the issue of diversity where overcoming hardships trumps grades/GPA).</p>
<p>Having heard that WSU is more generous in FinAid than UW from various sources, I guess I made the wrong choice of in-state safety school. And yes some kids are probably better off in the general freshman Arts and Sciences pool. Others already have a set plan - your S’s roommate then possibly “wasted” a slot for someone who was more certain of their major.</p>
<p>UW is reviewing D’s FinAid package - and we won’t send in a declination until a final decision is made. But comparing UW to Harvard is a stretch by anyones immagination - especially in the area of financial aid.</p>