<p>^ Hence my suggestion that she fill out the FAFSA calculator. I don't think counting on friends at work for their assessment of your EFC is a good idea, and we all know what a broad range people consider middle class to be.</p>
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If you know your budget is X, then to "try to identify schools where your kid might be eligible for some money" is not good enough - you have to target schools where the kid might be eligible for ENOUGH money.
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<p>Well, obviously. Not only that, but it pays to look at the total cost of attendance, not just the amount of merit aid you might get.</p>
<p>And I totally agree with not setting your kid up for disappointment. That's been my mantra on CC for years. The sooner you start to calculate this stuff, and share the real numbers with your kid, the better. Additionally, they have to understand that their academic performance influences what college they may end up at - not just based on selectivity - but, perhaps more important, based on money granted.</p>