<p>Unfortunately, it will be both. If the school really wants them, they’ll try hard to at least come close to the PFS you filed. But I’ve seen some schools that offer more than others. And I’ve seen some parents choose based on fit despite that. The latter is key. You want your child to spend 4 years at the place where they will be happiest.</p>
<p>College will be the same. I chose MIT over Cornell even though Cornell’s offer was better and after I declined they offered more aid. But the heart wants what the heart wants and MIT was the best fit for me in terms of personality. I used that as a guide when my daughter was choosing BS and it worked well for us.</p>