<p>Although as things worked out we didn’t actually use the “formula”, I arrived at our number using a variant of what I tell the doc when I need pain medication. </p>
<p>“Figure out how much will kill me and dial it back a notch”.</p>
<p>Edit: Interestingly, that number ended up being almost exactly our Fafsa EFC. (But several thousand below the Profile EFC.)</p>
<p>Sometimes, you just get lucky. </p>
<p>I had my heart set on a top LAC and my parents sent me there because they did not want to disappoint me. During spring break of my freshman year, however, my parents told me that they could not afford to send me back the next year. I understood completely, and with few regrets, quickly arranged to transfer to a good State school that my best friend attended.</p>
<p>On a whim, one bright April afternoon, I stopped by the financial aid office, introduced myself to the dean, told him where I was transferring to, and asked if there was anything that could be done. Within a week, the LAC offered me a scholarship equal to the difference between the State school cost and the LAC cost. At the time, I had long hair, a B average and was the worst swimmer on the (no-cut) swim team. 35 years later, the school’s generosity still amazes me.</p>
<p>I think my experience is the exception that proves the rule that planning is important. </p>
<p>I told my oldest son that he should go to a state school because it is too big a bargain to pass up. He agreed, and he is now doing very well academically and socially. His little brother watched this process play out, and plans to do much the same when his turn comes.</p>