<p>Wait, did you just say that "upper 100's" was middle class? Hate to bring you out of your little bubble, but that is like top 5% or better. Your dad could sit down, write a check to cornell for 45 grand, and your family would still be bringing in almost three times the median U.S. household income. Maybe I don't understand the terrible havoc that the "high cost of living" in your area is wreaking on your family's situation (did they raise country club membership rates AGAIN?), but I really don't think that you are in the place to try and sympathize witb someone who is truly in a tough situation. Yeah maybe the school isn't helping you out (because you don't need it), but if push came to shove your family could pay your tuition cash. I'm not meaning to be an ass or anything, I just think that it was pretty callous and ignorant of you to try to present your situation in that manner to an audience which may include people who would kill for your life, who have grown up with want and need, and who are struggling to make a mind-wracking decision about whether or not they can afford the education they deserve.</p>
<p>Well said Perro. It sounds like you either have tight fisted parents or your family isn't as much within their means as you think.</p>
<p>That is being pretty "tight fisted". But I am NOONE to judge and I really hope you don't take offense...but just think about some of the people who are reading this. GL next year!</p>
<p>I'm Canadian, and combined my parents make make early 100s CAD. Just because the number on paper is high, doesn't mean my dad could "write a check to Cornell for 45k". Between my sisters education, the mortgage, a move that we're still adjusting to, debt, extremely high taxes (around 40%) supporting relatives in a third world country, and the loss of a van due to an accident, money is tight. We don't live beyond our means. </p>
<p>I'm not asking for sympathy, but I do know that if I were accepted into Cornell, I'd probably be end up in a similar boat where I'd face putting myself into a large amount of debt. The number doesn't necessarily reflect the lifestyle or what's going on in the family.</p>
<p>Just a rant >_></p>
<p>Your situation is a little different than that of a rich kid with one sibling living in Detroit.</p>