<p>Kaileigh! That is FANTASTIC news! CONGRATS!!! If we were to apply to BS next year, Hotchkiss would definitely be at the top of our list. Unfortunately, I had never heard about their fantastic science program until after apps were in and the main things that my son really wants in a BS are to be around other kids who love learning as much as he does, and a science program that is better than the one at his school (which is a highly-regarded IB school, sends 10-20 kids to the Ivy League each year--but is relatively weak in science). Glad to see that they responded in such an altruistic way. </p>
<p>It is good to know there are great options should my son decide to apply next year. If so, we will be applying to many more schools and paying very close attention to which schools seemed to best meet the needs of high stat/high need students this year.</p>
<p>And I agree with you, Kayleigh: it's not that other schools aren't going to great lengths to accommodate students with need. Clearly, they are. They aren't required to do what they do. They meet the needs of thousands of students each year and afford them the opportunities we all want for our kids. And, as I've said here before, no private school owes my child an education. It's just that the backtracking on heavily touted "Need Blind Admissions" promises AFTER application deadlines leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of those who are raising their children to be true to their word.</p>
<p>And, Biohelpmom, there are several kids in our area who are attending top BS on full un-named scholarship, as well. That was one reason why we felt comfortable applying. Unfortunately, the rules changed at some schools this year. That was the factor that we didn't foresee.... I just want to be well-informed as to what the new rules are next year before we do this again. :-)</p>
<p>We finally received all but one of the FA packages so here goes:
Our PFC was $30,000. Had a very unexpected office closing that we informed the schools of in January. So we needed aid, but did not submit a new SSS form, but guessing would say Financial Need 40-50%. SSAT Mid 90's, very underrepresented state.</p>
<p>We applied to the following schools directly on our own: St. Paul's, Choate, Lawrenceville, St. Mark's, Miss Porter's, Mercersburg and Exeter. D was accepted to first five, w/l at Mercers and rejected at Exeter. All of these schools knew of the change in our financial situation.
All acceptances, we have not received Lawrenceville yet, came with FA that ranges from 100% to 60%. </p>
<p>We were refered to the following schools by ABC program: St. Paul's, Western Reserve, Mercersburg, Episcopal H.S., Hotchkiss and Andover. Accepted to St. Paul's with incredible FA, Western Reserve with Merit Scholarship, w/l at Mercers, Episcopal and Hotickiss, Rejected at Andover. We did send a letter regarding financial situation to all of these schools except Western Reserve.</p>
<p>Emdee, those are amazing results! Congrats to your daughter. Your post is so helpful to those of us trying to understand the new landscape. What is the ABC Program? I keep seeing it pop up.</p>
<p>ABC=A Better Chance and is for minorities. It's a wonderful program that has been doing great work for a very long time. The schools often have a special commitment to funding ABC applicants.</p>
<p>Did anyone notice the particularly kind and thoughtful response from NMH in Sadie2 and Keylyme's post. In one, the school could not offer the needed FA, so contacted the parents to see if the acceptance package should be sent (euphoria followed by dashed hopes due to inability to pay). In the other, FA could not be met, so NMH contacted family to inquire if full pay could be achieved by a specific date*, which would turn a wait list into a high-paying acceptance. </p>
<p>That kind of kindness and thoughtfulness is sooooo NMH.</p>
<p>(* hidden pockets of "Grandma" money is not unusual in BS circles.)</p>
<p>Haha....yes, they did suggest asking friends or relatives for assistance. Alas, we don't have anyone with money-lined pockets. It did all work out the following year, though. It was difficult that first year and we did have them send the acceptance packet, because we wanted our son to know he was accepted. And I did think it was quite thoughtful.</p>
<p>Is there a formula or forms or something I can use as a tool to see what my financial aid contribution/need is? What is SSS that I see talked about? Any input/info would be so appreciated.</p>
<p>Nearly 100% FA needed. Received nearly full awards from both Exeter and Deerfield. We personally feel incredibly grateful and indebted to both schools for their generosity and willingness to extend ANY aid in such unprecedented times. Mathdad, your post is so riddled with irrational bitterness it pains me. Schools are looking at more than perfect standardized exam scores and even recommendations for admissions purposes. Neither your child nor mine has an inalienable right to attend the BS of his/her choice simply because he/she is brilliant. How can you make so many baseless assumptions about why Exeter didn't accept your child? </p>
<p>There is an Exeter-bashing thread that you may be interested in posting on, but I found your words insulting, misguided, and lacking in credibility. I know this is a difficult time for many kids and parents but, please, tone it down and remember the imprecise and difficult financial times we're in. I trust these schools and their FA committees (human beings, after all) are doing their best and personally found Exeter's staff incredibly patient and sincere in trying to help. This is an insanely difficult year. Warning alumni? Good grief. Just stop.</p>
<p>Requested 67% (two thirds) FA
SSAT 2280
Waitlisted: Deerfield, Hotchkiss but no indication of FA info
Rejected: Taft</p>
<p>My mom called Deerfield and was told that they would not have put me on the Waitlist if they had not considered the FA requirement. They will re-evaluate the list of kids for the spot(s) available and pick the candidate.</p>
<p>Hotchkiss told her that in order for me to get a spot, I will have to MATCH the person who turned down their offer, ie how much FA did she/he got etc etc. If they did not need FA, then I would not qualify for consideration. :(</p>
<p>I'm starting to get depressed. Does not sound like much of a chance for me at all.</p>
<p>Schools turn down full-pay SSAT 95% CTY alumni triple legacy from pre-prep feeder schools as well. You can't just narrow wait list to FA. The process is strange to say the least. Trying to find causality will drive you nut. Move on to what you do have; go do something fun.</p>
<p>I applied to several schools I thought were in my reach and the two I was accepted into were actually need-blind (coincidence?). I needed about 85% FA but was a strong applicant, in my opinion. I am quite happy with the schools I was accepted (so thankful) at but still think that at two other schools I applied to that my waitlist-ance... was because of financial aid.</p>
<p>To "I really hope" or one of the other readers more experienced at this than me:</p>
<p>When you say "need is about 85%", is that your calculation or is that what SSS says or your estimate?</p>
<p>The $ SSS said I could pay was totally unrealistic and I still do not understand what logic they used. So I am not sure if the 85% is speaking of the SSS info or another source. </p>
<p>Overall I find this site extremely helpful, it is the application FA process I find difficult.
Thanks</p>
<p>At big126: I didn't apply to A/E, the only NE school I applied to was SPS and I was waitlisted there but I think that is because it is highly competitive. I'm not sure what the SSS calculation was but my calculation says about 85%. My mother would know the SSS amount (I'm not a parent but this topic interests me.)</p>
<p>hiiii.
i did NOT apply to any of the HADES schools but i did need 80% - 100% financial aid. i applied to a few schools with merit scholarships and my best offer was from miss porters at $100 a YEAR for tuition. i was jumping up and down when i saw this :)</p>