<p>"This is OP's second daughter, I believe his D1 is also at a branch of PSU. He appears to be a well educated lawyer. It is surprising to me he is so clueless (sounds harsh, but couldn't find a better word) with FAFSA, EFC, or how much he could afford. I would expect first time parent unknowingly allow his kid to apply to those schools he couldn't afford, but second time around most of us become fairly savvy." - oldfort</p>
<p>You shouldn't make assumptions without all the facts. I did not apply for financial aid for D1. This is my first time around this crazy financial aid parade.</p>
<p>Plainsman, we are in the same situation. Got an acceptance in hand from our state school honors program.</p>
<p>We are going to sit tight and let everything shake out before making a decision.</p>
<p>In this way, we will never have to wonder "What if?"</p>
<p>I hope you will come back and update us on what happens. Heck, with a huge amount of good fortune, our Ds might wind up at the same fancy and expensive school, based on what you're written . . .</p>
<p>I don't see a point to visit now - you can wait to see what is available and affordable before you go. But I also would not withdraw any apps. You never know what may come through, even though these schools do not offer merit aid.</p>
<p>We're in the same boat as Plainsman--second kid applying to college but our first time through the financial aid process. With these uncertain financial times, we wanted to have all the paperwork in order just in case we experienced some financial catastrophe. I'm discovering what I missed the first time!!</p>