<p>Remember, the most important school in the application list is the safety – certain admissions, certain affordability (based on need-based aid (see net price calculator) or guaranteed-for-stats merit scholarships), and suitable academically (has majors and courses of interest) and otherwise. Of course, it should be a place that the student likes.</p>
<p>I.e. find the safety first, so that if everything else goes wrong, the student will be going to a college he likes.</p>
<p>I would not overlook state schools. I’m in a similar situation with a relative - whom I’m helping. See what the federal government gives/ or maximum amount for a state school. Include junior colleges here/ community college. Cheaper and same aid can be available. Also - some states also provide additional funding. Ours is a state comprehensive education grant. Most state schools give 2000 per student/ if EFC zero - first come first served. With the Pell - they can get 5500. Just combining these two - we can get her books, tuition and fees covered at a very good state four year school. All that would be left is room/board. With part time job, work study- and stafford loans - this would be doable. In our case - my relative will live with me. So we are going to be able to get her through without loans - at least that is the plan. </p>
<p>To find out what the school will give with EFC of zero - try the calculator, but better yet call the admissions or financial aid office at the school. Ask about whatever aid is available for EFC of zero and how it is given.</p>
<p>UMass Boston has small classes taught by professors, not TA’s, and students get a lot of personal attention and support, in my experience. It does not have dorms but students live in housing nearby. Financial aid is as others have described.</p>
<p>If he is living at home, his financial aid will depend on his parents’ income as well as his own.</p>
<p>There are many private schools to consider. In Massachusetts, in addition to those mentioned, I would add BU, Lesley and Clark. Hampshire has great film studies. Nearby Amherst, a top school, would be another possibility (and Hampshire, UMass and Amherst share classes, along with Smith and Mt. Holyoke).</p>
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<p>The fact that he is doing so well is certainly also a testament to the support that you and other parents have given him. Bless every one of you for surrounding him with encouragement and assistance.</p>
<p>Again, the full need private schools have a full range of tutoring services. Any kid who can manage to do what this kid has done will do okay anywhere.</p>
<p>In terms of linguistics and LACs, Middlebury has a linguistics minor and will probably be adding a major very soon. Unfortunately, Williams did not tenure their one linguist. Amherst has the advantage of being able to take classes at UMass, which has a very highly ranked linguistics dept. And someone already mentioned Swarthmore.</p>
<p>I think he should check Asian.</p>
<p>With those stats he is an unhooked auto-Admit!</p>
<p>With the January app deadline fast approaching, I think this young man and the OP need to build a list of schools they can realistically handle preparing the applications for. The high-end LACS and Ivys and many of the other places people are suggesting have supplements and separate scholarship essays/applications to complete. </p>
<p>Another option might be a post-graduate year at a prep school. With his background, academic record, a year to crystalize his goals and do the college search/selection/financial aid process in an unrushed, thoughtful way might be a great solution. Boarding school would also bring some stability to this young man’s life so he can concentrate on his studies and future planning. His academic credentials and back story could make him an appealing PG candidate, with, FA, at the right **.</p>
<p>Hello All,</p>
<p>Thanks again for all of your suggestions. I will be using them when I meet with his guidance counselor this week. I foresee some busy days ahead. I may not check back in the very near future, but will be sure to come back and update when some of this feels under control.</p>
<p>I really appreciate the time you all took to give such thoughtful responses.</p>
<p>Some other things to think about during your selection process is that while he has a great shot at getting into an Ivy or school of that caliber, it might be worth finding a school where he can really shine. I would think that after his upbringing that being a superstar in college could make a world of difference for him. Also, finding a smaller school where it is more family like, might give him more of a sense of belonging, a place where he will get to know most, if not all, of his classmates, etc. Another consideration would be schools like Notre Dame where you are placed in a dorm and live there all 4 years so you really develop a “family” with your dormmates, etc.</p>
<p>“The high-end LACS and Ivys and many of the other places people are suggesting have supplements and separate scholarship essays/applications to complete.”</p>
<p>Yeah, but you shouldn’t have to write more than three full-length essays to cover an unlimited number of supplements. They aren’t that unique. You just have to edit carefully to make sure you swap out the name of the school and city for each one.</p>
<p>Look at all schools, even those who may be a reach. Many have a holistic approach and will look at the challenges he has had to face outside of school. I would try Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. They have a reputation here at trying to help good students who have had hardship while attending school. They also meet 100% of demonstrated need.</p>
<p>Make sure he does his homework on paperwork requirements. I have heard it is very, very difficult to prove Independent status.</p>