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<p>But your parents also have to make a realistic assessment that the net-net of the whole college process is that you are going where your grades and money will take you.</p>
<p>Sorry if this is harsh, but no matter how high the feel the rankings is at Fordham if it is not a financially feasible option for your family, it is just time to move on. I agree with swimcatsmom that no school is worth taking out 35k/year in loands.</p>
<p>Based in the infomation that you posted regarding, you are not a competitive candidate for this big scholarships. Being a non-NYS resident, you are not eligible to apply for a smartstart scholarship. While you may get accepted to fordham, the reality is the money that you need to attend will not follow. If Fordham was/is your dream school it is time to dream a new dream instead of wishing and hoping to attend a school that could be a financial nightmare for you in the future. As far as Fordham is concerned you need to just move on.</p>
<p>In order to get merit money you should try to target schools where your stats fall at least in the top 75% of the admitted students. It will take a lot of legwork (or fingerwork) on your part but it can be done. cast a wide net and you may be pleasantly suprised at what you may catch.</p>
<p>good luck</p>