<p>So I just ran the NPC for Amherst, Williams, Swat, and Wellesley… Swat, Wellesley, and Williams were all in the upper 20k- lower 30k range, and Amherst’s was… 47k??? It seems ridiculously expensive in comparison to the others… almost double the price. But I heard that their aid is supposed to be extremely competitive? Just how accurate is their NPC?</p>
<p>That doesn’t sound right…can you run the numbers again, maybe you input something wrong. </p>
<p>Nope… using the exact same data (I have it saved to my acct on collegeboard) Amherst grant is estimated to be 15k, while Williams and Swat estimate 30k… there are a few differences in self-help because Swat and Amherst have no loans, but the difference is minimal, 4k or so.</p>
<p>I agree with @GA2012Mom, I would have expected, since aid would be need based that most schools would be very similar, our offers of aid were all very similar between these schools (ex Wellesley didn’t apply). I agree I think perhaps something is out here, most all these schools aid will be very very similar, but some MIGHT want you more…if that’s the case, consider going there if they accept you, perhaps Amherst have many many other applicants just like you and your stats profile/ECs etc. Our EFC was almost spot on for all the schools applied to very little diff.</p>
<p>Well I guess I can use Williams/Swat/Wellesley as bargaining chips for more aid from Amherst (assuming I get into more than one of course)… if their peer schools are giving out 10-15k more in aid then that’s a big discrepancy and there’s a possibility they’ll match it right?</p>
<p>Well god idea, BUT, like most colleges, Amherst will NOT match other offers. However, most colleges if they really want you, will consider and review aid. </p>
<p>First off, I’d try to do your utmost to be admitted, great essays, amazing LoRs, top 75% SATs, perfect transcripts, if you have them all, then you may be considered for admission, hopefully come April/May you may be able to review what options you have. Good luck.</p>
<p>Apply to Amherst!</p>
<p>This doesn’t seem right to me as well, I agree with GA2012MOM and Englishman, your EFC should be very similar among these schools.</p>
<p>Do not let the results of your NPC’s EFC keep you from applying, when you’re accepted Amherst will provide you with a FA package and you can discuss any discrepancies directly with Amherst at that time.</p>
<p>Good luck!!!</p>
<p>@tavros – I have run probably 40-50 and Amherst was among the least expensive of all I ran. The one exception on the Amherst NPC is the Student Finances section (last page) asks if YOU own a home/business/real estate, and the others don’t. If you filled this in with your parent(s) home information, then you told them you own two homes with one as a student asset. That will raise your EFC quite a bit.</p>