Early Decision, financial aid, and siblings in college.

<p>First post, but I guess there's a first time for everything. I'll keep it short.</p>

<p>Dartmouth has basically been at the top of my list for the past year, and I would definately like to apply Early Decision (though I don't want to decide that until after we visit the campus in July, and certainly don't want to bring it up with my mother until then.) However, my parents have previously said that ED doesn't look likely for either me or my sister because of "money issues."</p>

<p>Now, my dad makes good money. It's in the six digits, but not much over. Normally there wouldn't be a problem, except I have a twin who will also be applying to and subsequently entering college at the same time as me. So that creates a financial problem. But it's not like we're dirt poor or any of the sort, and that in itself creates a problem. The money's there, we just don't know if we'll be able to use it. And we certainly have nothing saved up in any sort of "college fund."</p>

<p>My parents say they'll only pay 40-45K total for both my sister and me. And that's not too much of a problem if we only have to pay the money the EFC calculators say we'd have to pay. And Dartmouth says it meets 100% of your estimated need, but I'm unsure if we'd even be able to get aid at all. I know they take into account siblings, but how much do they really take them into account, honestly?</p>

<p>So, is Dartmouth pretty good with the financial aid? Would it be worth it to apply ED if I decide that's definately what I want to do? They say don't apply ED if you need substantial aid to attend the school, but again, it's like the money isn't there. It is. This is more of a function of just how well Dartmouth fulfills what its EFC calculators tell it to fulfill.</p>

<p>Okay, so the thread went a bit long. Whatever!</p>

<p>I am of the mind set that if money is going to be an issue not to apply ED becasue you are basicially telling the school that no matter what the package you have committed to attend.</p>

<p>I would suggest that you use the one of the financial aid calculators., Dartmouth has one on their site. Also use the one on the college board using both the federal and institutional methodologies so that you can get a ball park figure on how much your EFC is.</p>

<p>Dartmouth will meet 100% of your demonstrated need. which is </p>

<p>Cost of attendance - EFC = demonstrated need.</p>

<p>this demonstrated need will be in the form of grants/scholarships work study and loans.</p>

<p>Yes, if you and your sister are both attending college they will take into consideration the both of you in school.
Keep in mind when coming up with your EFC most schools are going to look at more than your income from work. They are also going to take into consideration your assets, home equity, money in the bank, stocks, college funds (if applicable for you and your sister)</p>