<p>I'm from Quebec looking to do Grade 12 at Exeter. I have a sister a year older than me in the CEGEP system (high school ends at grade 11, then you go to CEGEP for two years before university). I've been attending a private all-girls day school. </p>
<p>It costs about $15,000 a year including all the extra fees they forget to mention, but I have a scholarship (they gave us all a standardized test in grade 7, and the top three scores received scholarships) for $3,000 a year, so we end up paying around $12,000 a year. </p>
<p>My mother is a single mom and makes well under $75,000 a year, but my father gives us money every month for bills and what not, and pays for school. I assure you, without his help we would not be able to afford the school I am currently attending. There is no way that we could afford a $30,000+ school without financial aid. </p>
<p>However, we live in an nice sized house and my mother drives a leased Volvo. I would say we are living beyond our means, because from the outside, you wouldn't think we are that poor.</p>
<p>Would we qualify for the "free" education that Exeter offers to families below a certain annual income? Or would they take into consideration the equity on our house and the lavish lifestyle of my father? Which other boarding schools have good financial aid programs?</p>
<p>Any experience or advice you'd like to share is appreciated!</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure they consider both parent's income, even when divorced; so unless your parents' combined income is less than 75,000, you wouldn't qualify anyway.</p>
<p>My mother has full custody, I don't know if that makes a difference. I don't want to give you my life story but my father has another family now so I think he is considered "separate" from my family.</p>
<p>If you're right, how much can you get without the "free" education offer? And do you need a siblings also attending Exeter to qualify for FA?</p>
<p>nope they still consider both parents income. if your mom and dad make more than $75,000 there is no guarantee that you'll get full financial aid. you don't need siblings to qualify for financial aid. i'm unsure of your question about the "free" education offer because only the school knows, but they'll be taking recommendations on how much to charge you for tuition from the SSS.</p>
<p>oh yeaa plus, if your from the Quebec in Canada that would mean your international. they have less funding for international students, but still give it a chance and may be you'll be lucky!</p>
<p>Yes, they take both parents.
(And, living beyond your means is something I understand- my mom makes $40,000 and we live way beyond our means!)
The only reason I'd get a free scholarship is because my dad is still a "student"- he makes $10,000 a year.
Sorry to be one of the bringers of bad news, but still apply!!</p>
<p>Exeter is one of the schools know for excellent financial aid (there are several others). I would encourage you to apply -- you may very well find that your mother is not expected to more for Exeter than she is currently paying for your private school. I think you would probably be happy with the FA award that Exeter would give you.</p>
<p>If you really want to attend a boarding school in the US, I would advise you to apply to several schools -- not only is admission highly competitive, but the financial aid may vary quite a bit from school to school.</p>