<p>4. If you have solid stats, you may be able to earn merit aid at a private university which brings the cost down significantly. Full rides are rare, but it may be realistic to earn enough merit aid to bring the cost of the private university closer to the price of public universities.</p>
<p>Strawberries has solid stats. He/she could get huge merit if a good strategy is used. However, if top elite (non-merit) schools are targeted, then he/she will be gravely disappointed next spring when FA packages are dismal due to parents’ high EFC (which they won’t pay).</p>
<p>It’s ok to apply to one or two such non-merit schools and a couple of competitive merit schools just to see what happens, but to prevent possible devastation, the student needs to apply to some schools with assured big merit.</p>
<p>Students need to keep in mind that not only can they not borrow big amounts on their own, it’s a terrible idea to borrow big amounts. Who wants a miserable life from ages 23 - 33???</p>