Waitlisted at the dream school… 
… question. Do wait listed students who eventually receive admission get good FA packages or is it less supportive?
@jdewey I think it provably depends on the school. Our daughter got off an extended waitlist last year as a junior college transfer student (in August) and her merit aid was higher than both of the other schools she was accepted at back in March ( even though this was a much higher ranked school). Good luck to you and your family. We were shocked when our daughter got the call the first week in August inquiring if she would come if accepted off the WL- it does happen.
If a student looking for need based ( or merit aid ) is applying to many reach school, how many school one should apply
7 or 8 reaches
5 or 6 match
And 2 true financial safeties where kid will be happy to attend. How much is too many?
Deweykid only applied to 7 schools that looked good with the calculator. Three were likelies ( that came back as expected with the right aid) Three that were reaches that are all waitlists. (And one rejection that was a super reach). There is some wording from the waitlist notification from the college that they are in love with that aid might not be guaranteed, so it’s a bit unknown for a while. That school is famous for MUCH better odds with an ED commitment… in hindsight should have grabbed the ring. Love your positive story @vegas1
Good luck to you all parents today!
Thanks @jdewey .
@twinsmama that is frustrating, disappointing, maddening all rolled into one. So sorry for the angst that decision causes for all of you. But sounds like there are lots of possibilities still out there, so fingers crossed that your kiddos end up with mutually happy options. ZK son has all decisions received and his list seems to have been very much aligned with the Naviance stats. Applied to 8 schools…2 Far Reach, 2 Reach, 2 Possible, 2 Likely. Applied EA to the possibles and the likelys, all with acceptances and a range of substantial merit offers. Applied one Reach EA, was deferred then rejected. Waitlisted at other Reach. Accepted one Far Reach (a service academy) and withdrew other pending Far Reach application once had accepted his Appointment. College Counselor did a great job helping to develop the list, advocate as needed and advise on strategy while waiting on the many layers of a SA application. Overall a very good experience. Right back at it with ZK kid #2 and hoping that we can achieve a similar well-balanced list. Kid #2 called last night to say that her hall (with several seniors on either side of her) was in meltdown mode with incoming decisions and that she was already dreading this time next year. Kind of hoping she falls in love with something and can be a one and done ED application.
Good luck to all still waiting decisions and wishing great revisits for those still making up their minds!
Thanks @Zookeeper7. Luckily both kids ended up with excellent options, although it looks like they will most likely end up at different schools
One family I know had twins and then triplets all within 3 years. The twins both went to Holy Cross as well as 1 triplet, so they had 3 there at the same time. The other two each elected their own college.
After receiving all but one of his decisions, DS (and his dad and I) had pretty much decided on one school, I was pleased since it was always my favorite and I thought he’d do really well there. It was a NICE atmosphere, very similar to where he is now, and even gave him a small bit of aid. Then, out of the blue this week, the remaining school, a “FAR REACH”, responded in the affirmative. And, it’s in our state system, and we’d paid for it 18 years ago thru our 529. That changed everything. He is very excited, as is his dad (because of the sudden change in the financial picture), but I am having trouble letting go of the school that in mind he was going to. I called today and cancelled the hotel res for the revisit day, and he is reaching out to the AC and coach to break the news. I worry about the fit of the new choice… but really do just need to let it go and let him fly. Not my journey, right…? 
Hugs to all as you make these big decisions! I have to believe in my heart it will all work out in the end.
@hellomaisy I got a call from my daughter a little while ago. She was crying because she received the admission package from one of her dream schools, which is off the table because she unexpectedly got into an even dreamier school. It is great for kids to have choices, but it is going to be hard to give up all the colleges they fell in love with. Anyway, I cannot overstate how glad I am that the ordeal is mostly over with. And I hope the new choice for your son ends up being perfect for him!
Congrats @twinsmama
thanks @Zookeeper7, good luck
Congratulations, @twinsmama !
There were a few we were really sad to have to turn down. So many great schools out there. But yes, the journey is not for the feint of heart…
Congrats, twinsmama.
And congrats to your son, @Zookeeper7. Welcome to the military.
Congrats @twinsmama and @Zookeeper7. Great way to start your holiday weekend.
It looks as though we are essentially done here. He was accepted to all his EA schools, but only to two of ten in the regular decision round and those two offered very little aid. Was surprised that a school that supposedly meets full need quoted a price that is double our EFC. Fortunately, he was accepted to a school which he has dreamed about since he was little and the FA, although tight, will work. We are planning on reviewing all the FA offers this weekend, but pretty sure that he’ll be going to UNC Chapel Hill. Already got a Tar Heels shirt for his Easter basket!
@congratulations @Momto4kids ! Great school.
Hi All. Haven’t had a chance to post in a while. DD has 5 great acceptances, 2 WL and 3 denials (FAR reach schools). Once she makes a decision I will update. Great to read your stories!
@Momto4kids I saw him in a Carolina sweatshirt and wondered 