“Of course, they need to consider that admission without the needed scholarship is equivalent to rejection in this case.” - Exactly! Some just tend to forget the initial purpose of applying to some places, so no emotions should be attached to this decision.
However, to avoid completely all these drama, isn’t it better to research beforehand and compile the list that includes only colleges that family can afford?
I did it, it took me 2 years, I used ALL resources, including word of mouth - the most valuable, all kind of information sessions and somewhat internet (not much available there though, you need to consider details and stats of your kid’s application). At the end, my spreadsheet was so detailed and complete that when I presented it to my D., she was just very happy to use it, while she refused to listen to GS or anybody else, including any of her peers. As a result of great matching between my D’s application/her criteria list and the list of colleges that she applyed, she ended up attending at the college that was a perfect fit for her , matched all of her criteria, opened doors to many opportunities that we did not anticipated from the single place and as an icing on the cake - she attended there on the full tuition Merit award.
Do not leave it for the chances, research deeply, internet is NOT the only source, and it is by far NOT the best source. You may avoid lots of drama in your life and make the college application process enjoyable family process, the one that brings smiles to our faces. I am smiling right now, it was fun, I will never forget details, while D’s process was much more complicated than most others’ included many interviews, out of town trips. She was applying to very selective bs/md programs and acceptance to such a program was her top criteria, scholarships were just an icing on the cake.