<p>A major issue that this student and her parents have to address is how much is going to be available to pay for college with no conditions attached, like getting a job with a college that will offer tuition benefits, or IF the student gets a major scholarship. If I understand the situation correctly, the student was accepted ED, and at the time mom felt this was going to be doable due to a job that was pending. Job did not come through. So whatever finanical/merit money that school offered with no job in the picture which may well have been based on the family finances was not enough for the student to be able to make a go of this. It leads me to believe that this is a family that cannot pay what’s expected. Not necessarily, I realize, but if that is the case, this student is not likely to get a financial aid package that is going to make it doable to go to a school even if the school meets full need. If 80% of tuition was the shortfall, there is a serious issue regarding how college costs are going to be met. </p>
<p>The student should be looking for school that are definitely affordable with no stipulations and conditions in the future so that she doesn’t find herself in the same situation next year. Also some financial projections and planning should be underway so that there is some money for some options for college. </p>
<p>What kind of numbers, what sort of schools are in play here? Has reality set in as to what cost limitations are and how some of them can be met? I would be more concerned about the plan of action to find college possibilities for the next year rather than how to fill this current year. Otherwise this student can end up the same way again.</p>