<p>I think this thread is “What I used to think, like many of my peers, vs. what I found out”.
For instance, OP found out the total number you earn in scholarship doesn’t matter, but rather the total you have left to pay, hence “state schools are already discounted, so no generous scholarships compared to private ones.” = you are likely to get a lower amount from your in-state school because it’s already discounted, vs. privates.</p>
<p>More details are necessary, such as: out of state is not discounted. it all depends what “privates” you’re talking about (Davis&Elkins vs. Duke, for instance).</p>