@itsgettingreal17 That’s awful. I feel badly for that kid and family getting such poor advice. 
@itsgettingreal17 Go read this thread: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/20311026/#Comment_20311026
@Mom2aphysicsgeek That one gives me a headache. I hope he really can afford full pay. He may get in, but he doesn’t have the stats for a full ride, especially not at GT. sigh
He posted similar info here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/20246577/#Comment_20246577 I think he is hoping that beinng an URM that that is what matters.
I’ve always wondered that myself. What happens to financial aid awarded when the applicant goes somewhere else. Obviously everyone accepted is not going to attend. Does the aid or scholarship just return to the pool for next year or as the poster implies (assuming financial aid claims are less that anticipated) do they just redistribute to shore up some potentially wavering commitments.
Wait, what? That is the opposite of what I understand about HYPSM. Very generous with financial aid for those in need, not much if anything available for “high-income families.”
@Trisherella - High income is a relative term. IMO, asking families earning $150k to pay just 10% of that for tuition, room, and board is extremely generous.
Hi again! I want to thank everyone for posting - it’s nice to hear confirmed what I’ve been suspecting for a while: there is no “if they want you, they’ll find a way to bring you in”.
To elaborate more on my specific situation, I’m well in range to get into any of the Ivy’s or other top schools (grades, test scores, extracurriculars), but the financial aspect is holding me back. I fall into the bracket of middle class aid (which has been heavily discussed on this thread) that has too much money for aid but cannot pay the EFC. This is where my family got the whole “If they want you, they’ll find a way to bring you in” idea - they couldn’t fathom a college rejecting a very qualified applicant with experience in a niche subject the university is diverting focus to (hot, upcoming, but relatively unheard of biological topic) due to their inability to pay, and figured they would find a way to bring them in.
Not to diverge too much from the original thread topic, but does anyone have any experience with this situation? Right now my overall plan is just to apply to as many places as possible (even that need-based aid only dream school [MIT]) in hopes of a miracle, pray for a Stamps scholarship (or anything else I can get), and then work my butt off to get into said dream institution for grad school. Thoughts?
No research topic focus for an under grad is going to make a huge difference. (in reference to hot, upcoming, but relatively unheard of biological topic)
That’s the sort of thing you look for when hiring a new faculty member.
Do whatever you want - no harm in trying - just have a couple safety schools that you are happy with.