<p>OP, I was in the same spot last year. When you look at those estimates of financial aid grant for your income range, whether they are from Loomis, Exeter, SPS or Hotchkiss, you’d think… “Finally, this is outstanding education at an affordable price!” At least that’s what I had thought… and how wrong I was! In my opinion, middle class families are asked to pay more for BS education than any other class when you consider it as a slice of family budget. This shouldn’t have surprised me because I should have known better. After all, the middle class as tax payers have been treated by Uncle Sam in the same manner for as long as I can remember. </p>
<p>Anyway, my wife and I decided not to ask for any financial aid this time around. I won’t elaborate any further as I explained our decision making process in another thread (<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/1575928-middle-class-family-getting-ready-pay-full.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/1575928-middle-class-family-getting-ready-pay-full.html</a>). It was a tough and expensive, very expensive, decision, but we believe overall benefits exceed the cost. (And by “benefits,” we don’t refer to HYPS admission. ;)). I really hope you find your answer somehow… and best wishes to you and your daughter in March.</p>