<p>Does it have to be Pomona or UNR, and that’s it? Why don’t you apply to some other LACs like Denison, Hobart/WM Smith, Wash & Lee, Smith, Dickinson, just to name a few, just out of the air. And see what they come up with. Getting into Pomona is no slam dunk, you know. It’s one of the most selective schools in the country. An app to Pitzer and Scripps might be a good idea too, as they have merit money and the admissions numbers aren’t so low. I have a friend whose 2 DDs went to Pitzer on some nice merit money. </p>
<p>Also some schools like Fordham, Tulane, Rhodes, Stetson, Rollins, Marquette, Pitt, UAlabama could come up with some very nice merit money for you. Do some shopping around.</p>
<p>My son was accepted with a full tuition award at a local school, and at the time he put his nose up to it. NOw nearly3 years later, he sees a lot of peers who took who are doing very well, and have enjoyed the experience. Though it is very nice he was able to go away for college, it is not the be all to end all. His list included some reach schools that were just too expensive when it came down to to choosing, all the way down to free when in came to prices. With a lot in between. It’s nice to weigh those choices. You are have two extremes down as choices. Get some variety in your list.</p>