<p>*I will look into the cost after I have narrowed down the universities</p>
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<p>Erin’s Dad’s quote: I have seen variations on this stated many times and it is still one of the most silly things I have seen. What good is it to consider attending a school you can’t afford?? Too often students find “the perfect school” and can’t afford it, getting their hearts (or wallets and futures) broken. *</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad is very right. It is crazy to consider cost after you’ve narrowed down your list. Do you have any idea how many kids narrow down their lists and then find out that they can’t afford any of them? Or, worse, they find out in the spring when they have a handful of acceptances but their family can’t afford any of them.</p>
<p>Do NOT be one of those short-sighted kids. Use a strategy!!</p>
<p>1) Find out how much your parents will pay each year. If they are vague about the amount, assume that paying for college may be a problem. Parents are sometimes vague if they have some fears about how they will pay for college. If they say that they will pay for college, make SURE that they understand that many privates are now costing up to $60k per YEAR. Many parents have no idea that some popular colleges cost that much now.</p>
<p>2) Identify 2-3 financial safety schools that you like…AND…you know FOR SURE that you will have all costs covered thru ASSURED merit scholarships, small federal student loans, and/or family funds. Pay attention to any merit scholarship deadlines!!! </p>
<p>Even if your parents say that they will pay for college, find 2-3 of these financial safety schools. Family finances can change over the next year…a parent can lose a job, a parent can become ill, or parents can wrongly say that they can pay for college, but then determine that they can’t (that happens a lot!). </p>
<p>The reason that I think a student needs 2-3 financial safety schools is because if none of the top choices work out, then the student won’t feel rail-roaded into one school. Having a choice is always good for morale. Plus, if a student only has one safety, he may decide he doesn’t like that safety in the spring. </p>
<p>3) Once you have your financial safety schools identified, feel free to apply to any schools that you like. :)</p>