<p>There are many great schools beyond the most competitive that would consider a good candidate after the regular deadline. What complicates your situation is that you need financial aid, and at competitive schools it is often already used for accepted and then waitlisted applicants.</p>
<p>If you and your child have your heart set on boarding school for next year, I think it would be worthwhile to take as unbiased an assessment of your child as you can. Find boarding schools that place your child in the top 25% or higher of matriculating students. Look for schools outside of New England, or schools within New England that are not usually discussed on this board. </p>
<p>The only 2 times I have heard of applicants making a late application and receiving financial aid with admission were with the scotland45 story and from someone at admissions at St. Andrew Sewanee who used to post on this board. The admissions person said that they still had some fa left after regular admissions. That was a few ago, but is worth a try if you are interested in that school. If not that school, then I would look at schools with a similar profile. I would also look at high endowment schools outside of New England, like Woodbery Forest (sp?), Cranbrook, Western Reserve, etc. The all boys or all girls schools sound wonderful, but are just not as popular right now. You might try calling some of these even if they are in New England. Out of New England would be even better.</p>
<p>You should also assess the strength of your child’s application. What does your child offer a school to make the community stronger or more interesting? When you talk to admissions, talk about talents and interests in addition to strong academics.</p>
<p>I’m not an expert in this, but I have been following this discussion board for a few years. For years I’ve been suggesting to applicants that they should look beyond the most competitive schools, but most are not receptive to the idea until after poor results. I hope things work out for you.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>