<p>@College2000 and others similarly situated. Sounds very familiar – state flagships that are affordable due to NMF/merit $$ -vs- higher ranked, more prestigious private schools that are probably unaffordable for our family. Our opinions vary daily … lots of what ifs. Keep reminding ourselves that the NMF kids are lucky to be in this situation. CC is a good place to voice these concerns, isn’t it?</p>