Like many applicants, my parents are divorced. At schools like Vanderbilt and UChicago, which only consider the custodial parent’s financials in awarding financial aid, I would get a considerable financial aid award ($50k/year) should I be accepted. At schools that require the CSS Noncustodial Profile (in my case, top 20 private), I likely wouldn’t qualify for any aid.
I know that some schools tend to “reevaluate” one’s financial aid award in context of financial aid awards received from other schools. I am wondering whether schools that do consider the NCP, and thus don’t offer me any aid, would match the financial aid awards of other schools that give me $50k. And if they wouldn’t completely match it, do you think they might offer some aid and meet me partway?
Specifically, do you think schools like Dartmouth/Brown would match an offer from UChicago (considering that UChicago isn’t Ivy)? Would Northwestern? Thank you so much for your input. I really appreciate it.
If the colleges ask for non-custodial parent finances…they USE those on the calculations.
I’m guessing you are hoping some Ivies, and the like will match your Vandy or Chicago awards? My opinion…not likely. But you can ask.
Dartmouth and Brown are a cut above Vandy and Chicago. I doubt you will see D or B mathiching aid you got from C or V.
This would be like comparing apples to oranges, and is most likely not going to happen.
Vanderbilt and Chicago offer institutional aid based on the income/assets of the custodial parents. In addition they offer merit money.
Brown & Dartmouth do not offer merit money and require the income and assets of both parents (and their respective spouses) in determining your financial need.
At the end of the day, Brown and Dartmouth or any other school that uses the custodial & Non-custodial profile will not care what you got in need based aid from a school that uses only the FAFSA (or only the income/assets of the custodial parent) to determine your need. Even Princeton, which gives super aid and has their own financial aid forms requires the income and assets of both of the students biological parents.
The other thing to consider is whether the school you’re asking to match an offer really, truly needs you. If you say “no” are there a thousand other kids more or less as interesting as you on the wait list happy to grab your spot?
It is not really matching like price in shopping. Don’t expect that would.happen while you try.