Just as a reference I ran the NPC at UNC and at Harvard. Harvard came to ~$20k and UNC-Chapel Hill came to ~$55k. They might not do merit but their need based aid is far better than the other schools we were looking into.
@WasIDremin
Have you tried NPc of Princeton? It is generally believed to be the most âgenerousâ in FA among elite colleges.
We got the Harvard letter and brochure too, and also a letter from Columbia the same day.
We got the Harvard letter. Havenât even opened it yet. But it was a good one to send to the grandparents for D19 last year. She did not apply, but it was a bit of an confidence boost for her (good, but not tippy-top stats kid). D20 isnât likely to apply either, though I have encouraged her to apply to at least one very selective school. Wonât get in if you donât apply.
Iâm curious, is Harvard sending this to everyone? Do you think it is based on PSAT scores?
We also received the big envelope and the brochure inside seemed to allude to the diversity on campus. Were there different brochures in different packets?
@lkg4answers
I donât know the content of the large envelope from Harvard as DS is out of town this week. But I read on the CC somewhere someone posted that Harvard and some other IVYS applications have âplateauedâ (!), and wondering whether that was one of the reasons for the marketing? Getting many Chicago mails too.
D20âs seem to refer to her scores so I think it came from College Board sending her PSAT scores.
Yes, D20âs referred to scores and GPA.
I think we are behind in the college stuff with S20. He took the ACT and has had one college visit. A sport dominates all of his time these days. I appreciate all the tips and suggestions I see on CC.
My S20 also received the Harvard and Yale mailing (as well as multiple UChicago mailings). These mean nothing imo. He is a probable NHRP so they may be working off a diversity list of some sort, too. I am more excited to receive mailing from schools that are more realistic for him.
How do they know GPA or are they just assuming?
It bothers me that the mail/emails that reference diversity/URM, assume first generation or low income.
Re: the Harvard mailings, there was a stark contrast this week when you compared it to the Columbia marketing materials. I would venture a guess they send it to every person who signed up for the ACT/SAT and has nothing to do with diversity. They all want as many applicants as possible so they can pick from the largest population of students and drive down acceptance rate %'s.
@Octagon @typiCAmom my S got 2 rejections and 1 waitlist for summer programs. Still waiting for results from 3 more. He put so much time and energy into these. Iâm hoping itâll help with college applications. He was really down for a little while; doubting his abilities. One of the reviewers wrote a really nasty critique, too. And yes, he did allow a mom pick to be added to his college list after this. Iâve been saying how super competitive it is and only getting more so. I think he may be believing me now. Hope this only makes him stronger and more resilient. We shall see.
Iâve been reading the 2019 Boards. So many ups and downs but so good to hear the happy endings!!! Our time is coming.
âOne of the reviewers wrote a really nasty critique, too.â
Iâm sorry, but, what? Critiques are returned to the applicants along with notification of their rejection from a particular summer program?
I find that âŠwow.
Sending hugs to your son as he follows his heart, and leans into yours, moving forward into the college selection process.
We also got the Harvard larger envelope. Also got an email with the subject line âYou Can Afford Havardâ. I guess theyâre really pushing economic diversity. But weâre not in the income range theyâre targeting. We will go to visit next month for Spring Break but more for curiosity. Just doing the general info session and tour. Most schools we include department tours too.
Welcome to Spring!
Thank you @Waiting2exhale. Hugs received.
I have a feeling these schools are contracting out to a third party to send out mailers and e-mails. There are too many that are very similar in wording.
@SoccaMomma Yes - the time and energy plus emotional commitment involved in each summer app is huge. My S now realizes not to procrastinate on college apps - something he would not have learned in advance any other way. Ridiculous about the nasty reviewer! Good reason for self-esteem not to be based on external feedback.
I throw out the mail and hang up on the phone calls from colleges. I am very cynical about the whole process.
@makemesmart Thatâs nice of you not to even open the junk mail addressed to your S! I tear that stuff open, if itâs not from a school on the list.
Harvard has a pretty lousy football team, so itâs off the list. :neutral:
D20 did not take the PSAT and has not received any of these. Last year, S19 did receive them right after scores were released.