<p>Financial aid offers can vary GREATLY from school to school, do don’t worry (or count your chickens) yet. </p>
<p>The amount we were asked to contribute at one school was 20 times higher than the amount we were asked to contribute at another school. So the variation can be huge. </p>
<p>Also, the schools that offered the most aid were NOT the ones we expected. </p>
<p>I would suggest that you and your husband decide what you feel you are willing/able to contribute and let your daughter know right away. That way, when March 10 rolls around she will know that there needs to be not only an acceptance, but also an aid offer that fits your budget. </p>
<p>Now, I know of parents who ended up choosing schools where their cost was a real struggle for them. Some have found it worth it, some have not. It depends in so many, many things – what your school options are at home, how much of a struggle/sacrifice it really is (there’s a difference between having to give up eating out and having to give up eating.) What you are looking for your daughter to gain from a boarding school experience…</p>
<p>In the end we chose a school that is a real stretch for us financially. It hasn’t been easy, but, so far, we are happy with the choice. </p>
<p>I wish you the best of luck as you make this decision.</p>