<p>@whenhen haha true. </p>
<p>Remember, it’s all marketing, kiddos.</p>
<p>My dream school isn’t a reach (more of a match) and I’m applying ED with a 40-50% acceptance rate, so I’m hoping… I have tons of other schools in my list I’d be happy attending, though - even my least selective safety :)</p>
<p>So you limit your chances to compare cost/FA, @LAMuniv, if you apply ED. If you genuinely think your other schools would be fine for you as well, you might want to think through whether this is the best choice.</p>
<p>@intparent I’ve talked to my parents and counsellor about it, and they understand the limitations of ED and they think it’s fine. Even though I like my other schools, I LOVE this school, and it’s a clear top choice. We’ve obviously done the NPC for it and my other schools, and they all turn out to cost about the same. I’m also holding a well-paying, full-time job for my gap year (currently), so I’ll be able to help pay. I do need aid, but since we’re not paying my private school tuition this year, we don’t need nearly as much as we did last year. Thanks for your advice, though; I will reconsider and double-check that I’m making a good decision. :)</p>
<p>Apologies for any typos I didn’t edit - I’m posting from my phone. </p>
<p>Okay! I knew you had been a frequent poster, and thought you had probably considered all the angles. Be sure when you run the NPCs you include what your earnings are likely to look like for this year and any additional savings your parents will have at the end of the year for not paying your private school tuition this year, though.</p>
<p>Yes I wonder about the concept of “dream school”. I’ve read many posts here from students who got into top (choice) schools but once there hate being there. Be it homesickness, not fitting in, too competitive environment, the reality of it doesn’t live up to the expectation.</p>
<p>These are just buildings and places. They aren’t magical. </p>
<p>I</p>