<p>Aren’t CSU’s less expensive than UCs, too? Someone from California can help with this, I am sure…</p>
<p>Are there any specific colleges that I should definitely be applying to, given my situation? My top choice so far is Claremont McKenna, but I’m really feeling the need to find safety schools, just in case.</p>
<p>Before you start shortlisting schools, get a handle on your application budget. Figure out the costs (for apps, finaid forms, any fee waivers if applicable) so there are no surprises later on. Then arrive at a total number of applications. You don’t want to discover later on, after planning for maybe 10 apps (and even doing the supplements), that you have to remove 4 apps because of cost. It happens, and when it does, a student’s strategy gets muddled.</p>
<p>In your situation (high-need / low savings), you have to be very careful to identify only those schools that are affordable. Other students might not care as much about a thousand bucks here or five grand there. You don’t have that luxury. I understand you’re using tax forms for the NPCs; be careful also with real estate/savings/investments. Treat that NPC like a best friend; don’t feed it half-truths. You need to be as clear as possible about all costs (apps, cost of attendance, travel, change of costs in the future, etc.), then adjust your strategy accordingly. </p>
<p>1.) Figure out how many total apps you’re likely to put out there based on your budget.
2.) Figure out your maximum Family Contribution. Is it $3000, $6000? Put a number on it so you can eliminate a school more easily.</p>
<p>Then you can start identifying which schools are must-haves, more sensible, higher risk, waste of app money, etc. Your strategy is very likely going to revolve around the UCs. Outside of the UCs, schools that offer the best combo of need-based aid and merit aid chances are going to be in the running, as are the full-need schools that you have a reasonable shot at. Of those wealthy, full-need schools, I’d recommend favouring the “need-blind” schools due to your high need status.</p>