Too many safeties?

formerfalcon
Fri, 08 Jul 2016 20:24:58 +0000

D2 worries that her desire to go into a creative field means little future money to pay back big loans. With guidance from CC we have compiled a list of schools that could possibly offer some merit money and have programs she might want (theatre directing/playwriting, screen writing, creative writing to name a few.) D1 claims we should be aiming higher, but I feel that’s kind of pointless for a BA when money is an issue. As you can guess, we make too much for FA, but due to some circumstances that I don’t want to get into, we don’t have the resources to just cut a check to the college of her choice. (But that’s a whole different thread!)
D2 has a 31 ACT, SATs coming soon, decent extracurriculars mostly involving theatre, plus some leadership roles at church and school. All A’s so far. Top 5% in her class. 6 APs upon graduation (5s on APUSH, Lang and Psych tests so far.) Seems to prefer smaller schools–just knows she participates more in smaller classes. So a bright, above average kid, but she knows she’s not up for major scholarships at elite schools.
So here’s the list for now:
Appalachian State
Roanoke College
Elon University (but they really don’t give much merit in my opinion.)
Belmont University (visiting next week)
Florida Southern (maybe?)
College of Charleston (maybe?)
UNC-Chapel Hill will be her only real reach, and we know she won’t get $$ there.

Any more ideas? Or should she not worry so much about merit money and try for “reachier” schools? We have some time set aside to tour in the summer, so any ideas (about schools, not my financial situation) would be appreciated!