<p>As I’m sure you know, there are a very few schools that are known to give aid that is based on a very generous formula, and for these schools FAFSA-calculated need would not be considered a best case. The reach schools D applied to were wealthy, and met 100% of need, but did not have a reputation for being exceedingly generous. And maybe that’s the way they want it to be perceived. Who knows? My guess is that there is more of this “poaching” going on than is acknowledged. Unfortunately, this isn’t a strategy to plan around, since two years later I couldn’t really tell you why she hit the jackpot, just very thankful and appreciative.</p>