<p>UT32184: Don’t give up hope. I know Whitman values the alumni connection and I also know that last year was very tough in decisions about how to distribute grant money when need has accelerated for so many as a result of job losses, etc. Comparable kinds of schools often have way heftier endowments (having Warren Buffett as an alum, for example, doesn’t hurt your grant funds). </p>
<p>I think it may also be important for the kid to make very clear that they are applying to Whitman for their own good reasons, not as a backup or to fit a family tradition. When my daughter applied her interviewer asked some very pointed questions about her individual motivation for coming to Whitman, since her brother was already there. I think they want to be sure they are not just a “back up” or “safety” AND that a kid is a really good fit, not just following in footsteps. </p>
<p>Your second may have the chance to make the point that they lost a great applicant by not having enough funding available–and hopefully that won’t happen again. You also will demonstrably have more need with a second tuition and that should help too.</p>