<p>Do schools ever up an aid offer? I have a good friend whose very bright child placed very highly in a major math competition (state level) on March 10. Said child got into two good schools, but without enough money. Could they ask for more?</p>
<p>Also, for another friend, whose child didn't get in. Do schools taking late applications have any aid left?</p>
<p>Given your comments, edconsultant, I see that this might have been a factor for my son. One problem we encountered when filling out applications is that he found it extremely difficult to write about his accomplishments or his strengths, feeling that to do so would be bragging. This is an unintended consequence of the way we brought him up. On the good side, he is down-to-earth and free of arrogance. But I can see him doing badly in an interview about himself; he is reluctant to talk or write about himself, and his essays were mediocre. If they had asked him to write or talk about a political issue, it would have been quite different.</p>
<p>Very helpful, thanks! </p>
<p>Luckily, I was right outside the door during the interview and could hear quite well (not on purpose, that was the only available chair). I couldn't hear actual words but I could tell that it was a nice easy conversation, I could hear both of them laughing a lot. When it was my turn, the interviewer said multiple times that she really enjoyed the conversation with my daughter, commented on her ability to communicate clearly and she seemed genuinely impressed (but again, that's mom-vision). Since this whole thing is my daughter's idea and this is her only choice for school, there is no question that her heart is in it and if you knew her, you'd see her interest. But now that you mention it, maybe it was too "casual", not quite interview worthy. </p>
<p>I don't know. She did her best, we're proud of her and what will be, will be.</p>
<p>It sounds like the young lady did very well in the interview if there was a lot of back and forth and laughing. It isn't always what the child says, but just as a means to get a sense of their personality. I usually see girls do much better in interviews than boys. I'm sure the schools know this and understand that some boys aren't as comfortable talking.</p>
<p>To the person who asked about financial aid, I haven't heard of them changing the award, but I suppose it could happen. The thing about financial aid at the college level and boarding school is that it is determined by the office in Princeton and it is the same formula no matter where you live. So if a family in San Francisco feels they need aid due to housing costs, taxes, etc but they in fact could live in Iowa for much less and have enough to pay full tuition, then that is sort of a hard knock. That is, the schools make a dtermination which does not include how you choose to spend your excess money. If you choose to take 3 vacations a year, buy new cars every year, or live in an expensive city, they count all that as superflous spending. If your friend got some aid, but not enough, they probably ran into that problem. </p>
<p>I had a student who lived on Park Avenue in NYC but wanted financial aid because they said, "you don't know what it costs us to live here." I suspect that the person who got some aid but not enough, might have to cut back on their expenses, take some loans, etc to make it work. A lot of people do that. PS, the family on Park AVe got no aid and didn't understand why.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info on aid. Our friends live a very modest lifestyle, but in an expensive area (Boston suburbs). For various reasons, their profile may look odd to the Princeton folks, but there isn't much to cut. Loans are possibly an option. Thanks for the info. </p>
<p>We have another friend whose child was turned down by the two leading prep schools he applied to - they are surfing to the Kent site right now. Any other suggestions for boarding schools in the whole Eastern seaboard? Any thoughts on St. James in Maryland?</p>
<p>(We are happy - our child is in the school of choice!)</p>
<p>edconsultant, can you please do us all a favor and call Choate and get Olivia in and then call Exeter and get Mr. Chaos in? This is too hard to watch.</p>
<p>I thought the SSS took into account the cost of living in various areas of the country when figuring the estimated family contribution?</p>
<p>And, I don't know about preps, but Jr-Preps up their financial aid often when asked - at least 2 that I know do (they are both day/boarding).</p>
<p>I think what you said about the interviews is invaluable, and I only wish you had joined this board earlier!</p>