<p>We just read this article in our local newspaper, and we would appreciate any advice you could offer. </p>
<p>We are mid-middle class, I think near the line where students get a full ride to some of the better schools. Our kid’s second set of test scores came back recently, and the scores for CR/English are consistently in the 99 % (perfect scores) with perfect essay scores in two of the tests as well. Strangely, k’s scores in the easier math sections were above average but not stellar, but in plane geometry/trig, they were in the 90%. K has a 4.0 GPA with some college courses, honors courses, and an AP (5) and mid-700s on two SAT subject tests. K is artistically talented, has worked professionally on occasion, and has some unique interests. He’s near native fluency in a foreign language. </p>
<p>We’ve steered him toward state schools, and what I now realize may be a little less competitive LACs. I think that maybe we should aim a little higher last week when he was accepted with a really large scholarship to one of these LACs and an adcon from another school called me to urge us to get his application in. Quick acceptances from a couple of state schools with automatic scholarships as well.</p>
<p>I wondering if we should aim a bit higher, but how high and where? The whole process is so complex, but we’re getting close to the deadlines. I guess you don’t know if you don’t try. This must be what college counselors are paid to figure out. Thanks!</p>
<p>What are you looking for that you think you might not be getting from the schools already on his list? </p>
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<p>Are you referring to a merit scholarship, or to need-based aid?
The most selective schools tend to be more generous with n-b aid, but less so with merit aid. If he got a big merit scholarship from a “less competitive” LAC, it may just mean you did a good job of identifying his sweet spot in the competition.</p>
<p>Where does your kid want to go to school? I think that is more important than just picking out some prestigious college for the heck of it. Most of the top students in my state go to State U’s. If your kid is happy going to state school or LACs that he has applied to - then why are you worrying? And why are you making a bigger deal of this than your kid? Relax - your kid will be fine and successful wherever he ends up.</p>
<p>Following up on tk’s post … for me a really big question is how much are you willing to pay. Your child sounds great and competitive for admission to virtually any school. This might include very highly selective schools where you might not get much financial aid at all … and it might include very good schools (but not tippy top) where a lot of merit aid might be in the picture. The merit awards may well make these schools cost about the same or less than your state U. It’s a tough call as a parent but how much are you willing to pay for a school you consider “better” for you child? (PS - it can turn out the first choice school is also of the cheaper options … as it did for my second as his first choice was a OOS state U with a merit scholarship)</p>
<p>Have you tried the financial aid calculator on some of the school’s websites. It will give you a good indication on the amount of money you would have to pay if accepted.</p>
<p>I agree though, that the real question is how much are you willing to pay. Some schools, like Harvard, are giving aid to families making more than $100,000, others, not so much.</p>
<p>Is your S a senior? I think most of the highly selective colleges have a 12/31 deadline. I doubt that it’s even possible to get an app in if you’re just starting now. If you can get his part of the app in on time, a couple of days won’t matter, but if your high school has a normal winter break, I think it’s going to be tough to get in a transcript and letters of recommendation anywhere near close to on time. I know my own college does accept apps that come in a day or two later,but the later the app, the less likely admission becomes.</p>
<p>I’m not saying don’t try…but don’t get your S psyched about doing this so late.</p>
<p>We are mid-middle class, I think near the line where students get a full ride to some of the better schools</p>
<p>I’m not sure what “better” schools you’re thinking give “full rides” to middle class students. Not many at all. Harvard, Princeton and a few of the other tippy top schools might, but they’re the very hardest to get accepted to and usually require very high stats. But most schools would expect a “family contribution” from a middle class family. </p>
<p>However, maybe I’m misunderstanding what you consider middle class.</p>
<p>What is your son’s Math + CR SAT score? That score is important.</p>