A new trend that I find disturbing...

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I care about this because I think kids should feel really good about their achievements academically and keep the financial element out of their conversations with the other kids at school.

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<p>Kids should feel good about having the academic record to attend a school but not the finances? And they should keep it to themselves if they are able to attend to due to financial aid?</p>

<p>I really wish you'd come visit the Title One school district my son attends. Most of the parents pray for a "problem" like the one you've taken the time to create when it comes to college. </p>

<p>Wonderful things are happening for your child. Perhaps you could decide to focus on that and let go of what children say to each other in the halls at school even thought it may not put your daughter in the best possible light at all times. Personally, I think she'll survive it and I suspect she doesn't care about it nearly as much as you do.</p>

<p>For most kids, the financial element is the most important aspect of college admissions and determines where they will enroll, so of course they will talk about it. The fact that classmates are discussing <em>need based</em> financial aid is no reflection on the OP's daughter -- I don't understand why OP is offended. Luckily, OP's daughter does not need FA so she will not participate in these conversations. Merit aid awards may be another matter, but again, OP is lucky to afford her daughter's college choice even without merit aid, whereas merit aid may be the deciding factor for other students.</p>