<p>"Merit money is the easiest to find out. It is all based upon SAT scores and every college has a grid with some flexibility but not much flexibility. "</p>
<p>@TomsRiverParent Since you have stated this numerous times in various forms I have to chime in to disagree. Merit is hardly predictable at many schools. </p>
<p>Also, fine if you want to offer advice to OP, that is the purpose of the thread after all, but sweeping statements like this are unfounded: “There is ZERO reason for a large application list.” This is an individualized decision and if the application fees are not cost prohibitive and the kid can handle the applications/essays there are numerous reasons that make legitimate argument for applying to a long list of schools.</p>