<p>I know that many colleges offer a calculator on their websites that estimate need and merit-based aid based on statistics and such. But I was wondering if a student is looking at a school that doesn't offer a calculator, is it beyond the pale to ask for an assessment or a more detailed analysis of how they consider aid? I don't want to do the wrong thing, but D has a very clear favorite and I couldn't find a great deal of information on their site about tihs. Thanks much!</p>
<p>Zmom, I think I have seen that recommended here before. I don’t think it would hurt.</p>
<p>Call the colleges and ask for an ‘early read.’ Some do them, some don’t. Almost all will answer very detailed questions which will assist you in getting a good read from other calculators if you have a typical situation–not business owners or have complex stock options. You should be able to closely predict your IM EFC.</p>
<p>Some schools seem eager to be helpful and answer questions, and others less so. Bowdoin, for example, has two pod casts on their web site that are very informative about applying for and receiving financial aid. </p>
<p>My daughter’s top school has a link to the College Board CSS profile online worksheet. This gave us a much higher EFC than running the numbers ourselves on the worksheets in the book “How to Pay for College Without Going Broke.” </p>
<p>I think asking for an early read is a good idea. It shows interest as well.</p>