<p>I agree that you should look at schools with merit aid as well. You mentioned that you are looking at schools from the perspective of a lower middle class student. Instead of just relying on the chance of getting into a top school that offers generous financial aid (whereas their acceptance rate may be <20% to begin with), having schools that you know will give you merit will guarantee you two things</p>
<p>1) You are at the top of the class, or near it, of the school you are applying to.
2) You are also sure that it is affordable for your family.</p>
<p>I think part of the reason some of the other people have become really worked up because of the thread is because your school list seem to be mostly just schools from the top of the rankings list, most highly selective schools that even the top students (valedictorians, 2400s) couldn’t guarantee admission to. You mentioned you had safeties and matches? Do you mind sharing them? I think given the wide variety of schools you are interested in, the next step is to narrow down that list to a realistic list of reaches, matches, and safeties that are appropriate for you</p>