Financial Aid for more than 1 member of family at a time?

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>Hey everyone! I'm Cat and I'm thinking of applying to boarding schools for next year. I'm currently a freshman. My grades are ok (not the best, I am a B student, but I work hard for those B's.) I'm an ok athlete though-on the swim team and ski team. </p>

<p>I'm not looking at the AESDCH schools, instead I want to go to schools where I would feel more comfortable with the work load and the other kids there. But here's the thing. I would have to get A LOT of financial aid, and my parents don't think it may happen. I have a sister at boarding school already (and she has almost a full ride) and a younger sister who has set her sights on Exeter or St. Paul's. Both of them are A students, good athletes, etc.. My mom says that she isn't sure I should apply. She thinks the schools will think that we are just expecting them to finance our family's education. And since I'm not a straight A student, she is wondering why the school would want to offer FA. Especially since they will see that my sister is already getting financial aid. I think my mom is embarrassed that they can't pay. My dad thinks I should apply--he says the worst thing that can happen is that I am turned down. My younger sister has been dreaming about boarding school for years and she is afraid that if I also go to boarding school, and get financial aid, that it may reduce the chance of her getting FA when she applies (next year.)</p>

<p>Do you think my mom is correct? Will the school look down on my family cuz we are all trying to get a better education, but don't have a lot of money to pay for it?</p>

2

<p>Many families have more than one child on financial aid. Even at the same school. It is not looked down upon. I personally feel it means your family is doing all it can to give you the best possible education. Boarding school is a scrafice for parents - in ways that are more than financial. Schools know that.<br>
I do not think your mom is correct. I think you should find a school that best matches YOU. Apply and see if they are able to give you enough FA for your family to be able to send you there. As your Dad says, the worst that can happen is that they say no. As I always tell my children, the answer is automatically no if you don't ask.</p>

<p>Good luck</p>

3

<p>Your mom does not need to feel embarassed....it is not realistic to expect that you should be able to afford even $40,000 per year for one child, never mind $120,000 per year for three children!
You don't have to be an "A" student; if you are motivated to achieve the best education possible and find a school that is your "fit", by all means apply and request fa. The fact that your sibling is receiving aid should not affect you at all, likewise if you receive aid it should not affect your younger sister's chances in the future.</p>