<p>take the lowest bid so far.</p>
<p>I do see your point. Let’s say we could afford a $5 lunch, and there are several choices around $3.50 - 4.99. If that hapens, I would let the kid decide where they want to go. After all, they are going to school, not me.</p>
<p>But sometimes lowest bid could turn out to be more expensive. If it’s difficult to get into classes, and it would take 5 years rather than 4 to finish then it gets to be more expensive. When I have bids out for contractors, I usually like to go with the middle.</p>
<p>And we qualify for financial aid, so until we can weigh both merit- and need-based aid, we can’t say which will be more affordable. That’s why he cast a wider net.</p>
<p>OF, of course the whole picture must be considered to determine which is the actual lowest bid. </p>
<p>Using the lunch example, one must consider if a drink is included, is tip expected, etc. </p>
<p>In term of FA, one must consider the loan amount packaged into the aid and how will they treat the 2nd kid in school at the same time etc.</p>
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Definitely agree with this - why bother when you know he’ll be happier at his top-tier choices? Why muddy the water and waste time on an app that won’t go anywhere? (and he might prevent another student from being accepted).</p>
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<p>Agree with you, oldfort. In addition, there is the opportunity cost of the year’s salary you’d forgo (assuming you could find a job, that is).</p>