This post was not meant to be interpreted as optional compliance:
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When we used the NPC on the Yale site, our efc was much higher than Yale actually determined in my son’s fa package. So probably it will be the case for you as well. They are very generous.
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Feb 25 Update:
Hi everyone,
I just got my financial aid 5 minutes ago. Apparently Yale deemed that my family was unqualified for it, and we are expect to pay around 88k a year.
So … unfortunately, the worst case scenario did occur, and I am now regretting not applying to more ivies + top 20’s that offer scholarships.
Any tips? How should I proceed? This is now causing me a lot of stress. I still have my applications for the UCs.
What do your parents say? This is orders of magnitude more important than what internet strangers will tell you.
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They say they can pay for it but I’m sensing it’s going to cause a lot of distress. Also, knowing that my parents are dropping 300k on my education will definitely make me paranoid about how I spend my time at Yale. I don’t know what to do. I’m genuinely just …exhausted. This seems more like a curse than an accomplishment, really. (Sorry for the pity party)
How has this worked out? When do the UCs announce acceptances.
Applying to other unaffordable schools would not have helped (none of the Ivies give merit aid, and merit aid at the other T20 schools is highly highly competitive).
I think you have a great chance at the UCs…you are instate for those, right! They should be affordable.
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They announce them in March. I withdrew my application for UC Berkeley but I’m hoping for UCLA. And yes – I am in state.
I will be fine attending UCLA as it is much more affordable and offers everything I need. However… the battle is getting my parents to agree. They firmly believe that ivy league = wealth.
But I know that the 300k for Yale isn’t worth it. Ugh, I’m at a loss for what to do.
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If you didn’t qualify for a penny of need based aid at Yale, it’s very likely your parent income is higher than $300,000 a year. Or they have significant savings or other assets. Is this the case?
Do your parents have money saved for your college education…or will they be taking out $80,000 per year in parent loans?
UCLA is an excellent school. But so is Cal. But I guess it’s too late for that one. Is the only UC you applied to UCLA?
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I applied to other UCs too, but I disliked Cal the most so I withdrew. Even now, it’s not a decision I regret. Everyone I know at Cal is miserable and it doesn’t seem like the right fit for me.
My parents do have assets and I believe they do exceed $300,000 a year… but we do not have a 529 and everything is out of pocket.
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And they are business owners with additional real estate. This definitely can affect need based aid awards.
You definitely could have applied to some schools where merit aid would have been possible and that was suggested upstream several times. You didn’t.
So…wait to see about UCLA, and then sit with your parents to make this decision.
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Why are you substituting your judgement for your parents?
Not to say that you shouldn’t have your concerns, but please raise them with your parents and not so much with strangers on the internet, many of whom have their own agendas/axes to grind.
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Parent here - your parents may be very private about their financial situation and do not want to share with that you - that is very understandable. If they can afford Yale and you feel it is the best fit school for you - then it is really your decision as a family.
If you are concerned about your parents wanting you to pay them back in the future or put other future financial constraints on you due to them funding Yale - then sounds like staying in Cal is the best option for YOU.
Above posters are correct that if Yale did not determine you need aid (presume your parents completed the CSS too) then you would not get financial aid from other Ivys.
Take care of yourself.
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I agree that the best decision ultimately rests on my parents, but you need to understand that they’re immigrants who have never gone to college – and have a very warped perception of college.
They firmly believe that ivy league = guaranteed 6 figures post-graduate, and that those schools are worth drilling any family into 300k in debt.
Maybe its fear of disappointment or something, but I don’t want them to dish out 300k only to realize that I could have achieve the same success at my more affordable state school.
I’m here asking for more opinions because as a family, we’re very new to this college thing. I’m the first one to attend college and I don’t want my parents to burn all their money on me only to realize it wasn’t worth the sticker price.
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What types of suggestions?
Would you like to hear about schools still accepting applications that will be less expensive? We can do that! 
That way if UCLA comes through, great and you’ve hit the jackpot of affordability and prestige!… but if not you do have options to consider with your parents in addition to Yale (big congrats!) Just let us know what you are looking for so we can help.
I’m so very sorry you’re disappointed right now rather than being able to celebrate your amazing accomplishments and results. Obviously you are a fantastic kid academically and one who is trying to consider your family’s long-term wellbeing. Attributes to be proud of.
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But will they be $300,000 in debt?
I know many on CC believe it’s all the same – whether you go to Yale or a state school. I’m in the other camp, that an elite school is life changing in a way that most state schools are not. Particularly for a first gen student. The resources and opportunities are unfathomable from the outside.
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Sure, I’ll be happy to hear those out. Anything to expand my options.
And yes… crossing my fingers tightly for UCLA. But even if I do get in, the harder thing is convincing my parents.
I truthfully believe that while Yale is a fantastic school, and the perfect fit for me … the financial aid situation rocks the entire boat. I seriously doubt they can pay 300k without it having some detrimental effect on everyone’s mental well-being. My parents already work 7 days a week … and it pains me to think of them working even harder.
I understand and if you are having a feeling that it will be a burden - that is hard to put on a teenager.
I would advise you to take this one step further - would your parents be disappointed if you went to Yale and decided on a less prestigious/money career path ? Will they still be highly involved if you go to a Cal school ? Have you talked to them about saving and having a go at “prestige” according to them for grad school.
Do you know they would be going into debt - as sound like there are assets out there.
Again, I understand it is hard between parent expectation, cultural differences and you wanting to do the best for all.
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that an elite school is life changing in a way that most state schools are not.
I have a gist of what you’re saying but could you elaborate? Genuine curiosity. I have this overwhelming fear that if I do attend Yale, I’ll come out as a burnt-out nobody because I didn’t know how to “play my cards right,” search for the right opportunities, and I’ll fall disappointingly average against all my peers.
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Your parents sound like they are ok with this situation/working harder. Another way to look at it is to accept your parents’ sacrifice now, knowing that you will take care of them, when the time comes. It all evens out in the end.
I’m pushing back because you ate telling yourself a narrative that you’ve come up with on your own. This is not what your parents are telling you.
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