<p>Probably because when they were in college, the admission rates for ivies were in the 30s</p>
<p>If your EFC is $10k, then UMich, MSU, or privates that meet need will likely be your best options. If your SAT/ACT scores are high enough, then you may also get some highish merit from some OOS publics or mid-tier privates.</p>
<p>Speaking from experience here: having an early acceptance to U Mich in hand is a wonderful stress reducer while awaiting word from other schools. And do apply early to UM!!!</p>
<p>You wrote: “I’m in Michigan so yes I’m definitely looking at UMich.”</p>
<p>Congratulations, your job just got 70% easier. Use your school’s Naviance as a guide to push yourself beyond the average UMich admit from your high school (here again, it’s a lot tougher than when your parents filled out applications). Get your application in as early as possible and you will have a response in hand before Christmas. If it’s a yes, your other college choices will be along the lines of, “what school would I attend rather than Michigan?” If the early application meets a “no,” you need a list of backup schools. </p>
<p>UMich tuition also gives you a starting point for talking to your parents about the price of schools. If you don’t get the FA you want, are they able to finance the cost, and how much would be in student loans? Do some research here; a lot of kids think that signing up for thousands in loans is the pathway to happiness. Well, that happiness ends when you graduate, and student loans cannot even be discharged in a bankruptcy! </p>
<p>You’re a smart kid (you’ll be even smarter after you digest all this college stuff), and you should navigate this without too many difficulties. Good luck.</p>
<p>Another thought might be to suggest that your parents talk to other parents in your community that have been through the process with older children - parents who would have a similar background to you.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>Good advice as long as your parents speak to parents who have children with similar stats and EFCs. Some parents can have very limited outlook based mostly on their own child’s experience - which won’t work if their child had very high stats or if they have a different financial situation.</p>
<p>There’s nothing wrong with a pooled/negotiated approach. Mom picks one college. Dad picks one. You pick two plus a safety. You apply, earnestly and throughly, to all five. Parents pay application fees for all five. After the five are DONE, then you can scratch your head and see if there is more you want to do. (you, not parents). </p>
<p>Perhaps you will be pleasantly surprised and a parental pick works out. Perhaps not and you are right and one of your picks works out. Either way there has been some respectful listening throughout the process.</p>
<p>Of the reaches to which our son applied: one was his, 2 were among my recommendations, but he liked them, too. He got into and is attending his pick.</p>