<p>Although I go to boarding school, I hardly pay anything.
I know that I will qualify for some need-based but not much. I am not currently worried about finances. Once I get in, my parents will help me chose a balance between cost and worth. That is how they did it for my brother who is currently attending Syracuse @ a cost of almost 40,000 a year. But because he is going to such an expensive school, my parents are most likely expecting some type of scholarship out of me.</p>
<p>I definitely do not want to choose what schools I apply to based on financial reasons alone. At this point I’d rather know of schools that would accept me, and a side note, if those schools have financial aid.</p>
<p>I have not taken the PSAT for my junior year, but I think I have a pretty good chance @ making National Achievement/NMS.</p>
<p>Oh…that’s right…you’re still a junior…I forgot. :)</p>
<p>Once I get in, my parents will help me chose a balance between cost and worth. That is how they did it for my brother who is currently attending Syracuse @ a cost of almost 40,000 a year. **But because he is going to such an expensive school, my parents are most likely expecting some type of scholarship out of me.
**
**I definitely do not want to choose what schools I apply to based on financial reasons alone. **At this point I’d rather know of schools that would accept me, and a side note, if those schools have financial aid.</p>
<p>Of course you don’t ONLY want to consider schools based on money. :)</p>
<p>However, you’re at cross-purposes here. It sounds like your parents are expecting you to get some merit money, which means you need to apply to at least a few schools that will give you merit.</p>
<p>I don’t know your parents, but I would be concerned that they expect merit money from you because they are having to pay “extra” for your brother who has lower stats. That sometimes happens in families. One child can’t get merit, so parents expect the other child with high stats to get merit to help “balance” what the family has to pay.</p>
<p>The reason I think you should consider finances for a few schools is because if you don’t, you could end up with a handful of acceptances where all your schools expect your parents to pay more than they are willing to pay. </p>
<p>I’m NOT saying that you shouldn’t also apply to a few dream schools or schools that might give you a great FA package. You definitely should!!! But, I think you should also come up with 2-3 schools that you would REALLY like that would also give you good-sized merit. Those would be your financial safety schools.</p>
<p>BTW…you’re so lucky to get to go to a boarding school for very little money. :)</p>
<p>I want to say that Northstarmom put up a great post regarding UMBC. You really must check it out. The President of UMBC is doing great things, and the program she mentioned is truly terrific.</p>
<p>My S was offered 50% off tuition by Tulane, and his stats were similar to yours, although his GPA was a little higher. And he was accepted by Williams. Williams gives great financial aid, BTW. Heck, you will probably do a lot better in the SAT (or ACT, you should take both) next year, and have even better chances everywhere, especially if you bring up your GPA.</p>
You definitely should!!!