<p>Thread which talks about % of day to boarders</p>
<p>Back to the original question...As I understand it, applicants for financial aid are placed in a "more competitive pool" than those who do not apply for financial aid. I know in my son's case, when he applied to Exeter as a freshman we applied for financial aid...and he was not accepted. He reapplied as a 10th grader, this time requesting no financial aid, and was accepted. He was also a day student, as we live 25 minutes from campus....which again put him in another "more competitive pool." Going into his senior year we requested financial aid and were denied since he had not applied for it when first admitted. We managed to find the money for his 3 years at Exeter and I have to say that it was worth every penny.</p>
<p>Priveleged, if you do not get the aid you need from these 2 schools, cast a wider net and apply for 10th grade. If your son has good stats there are many schools that really want to attract top black students.</p>
<p>Good advice Kirmum. We, my husband especially is admant that unless he gets substantial aid we will not put ourselves in debt. We can try again next year although my S will be disappointed at having to redo the process. The teachers at his school are often a bit slow about completing the rec forms and it was a bit of a hassle getting transcripts in time etc, but we will just have to try.</p>