<p>For the past year or so i’ve always tried constantly to be the best at everything i do so that I might get into an ivy league school one day and it would all pay off. However, in recent weeks that ambitious vigor I once possessed for academics and what not is starting to fade as I begin to realize that I might not be able to afford brown (if I get in) which is my first choice school. my parents income is ~120k a year, but has only been that much in the past few years, as it used to hover around 55k until my dad got a better job, but anyway, they haven’t had much of a chance to save, but considering the fact that i’m an only child, I’m not expecting to get much financial aid. I was wondering if any one else has been in a similar situation and how you managed to attend with out taking on an astronomical amount of debt. i know this would be more relevant in the Fincancial aid and scholarships forum, but i felt that maybe it would get a better answer from those who went on to the actual school. but anyway, does anyone have anything encouraging to tell me, or am I pretty much screwed? thanks…</p>
<p>Outside scholarships will help.</p>
<p>you probably will end up taking debt no matter what (if you attend an ivy) but you can substantially reduce the debt by applying for extra-institutional merit-based scholarships. if you have what it takes to get into a good school, odds are you have what it takes to snag a couple scholarships. the trick is to play the field and apply to many. your local bookstore will probably have books containing all the national and more well-known programs you can apply to. also be on the look out for local, community-based scholarships--many of these don't attract that many applicants for some reason, so they are much easier to get.</p>
<p>my interviewer told me that brown will help anyone who gets accepted. he said if the fin aid that they offer isnt enough, you can ALWAYS request more. they wont tell you good-bye just because you cannot afford it. your situation is kinda bad, 120K, only child wont get you much at all. My sister, a freshman in college this year, got nothing from FAFSA. I have another brother also, and my parents only make 60K a year. Still yet, I'm going to Brown if I get accepted, no matter what fin. aid package they give me.</p>
<p>they received a huge donation not too long ago earmarked specifically for financial aid...so, i don't think it should be a factor on deciding whether or not to attend</p>