<p>SkyGirl, you should post on the parents forum – lots of very knowledgeable people there can help you select schools that give lots of merit aid. </p>
<p>FWIW, my D attends Northeastern University in central Boston, a school that likes ‘regional diversity’ and is actively trying to attract high achieving students with very good aid including full rides. And at Northeastern, you can work full-time while getting academic credit through the school’s highly respected co-op programs.</p>
<p>Skygirl,</p>
<p>I wouldn’t call Hamilton or Lafayette a reach. I think you are likely to get into both and at least one other. I wouldn’t be surprised if you get into most. Why didn’t you apply to a liberal arts school that is less competitive? That is what I would have added-- a Dickinson, a Muhlenburg or Ursinus. I would have to look up how they do with financial aid but that would have given you options. Check their deadlines; you may still have time. I would add one to my list.</p>
<p>Dickinson’s deadline was Feb 1 but you still have time for the other 2. I really would add one in. </p>
<p>Muhlenberg-- Feb 15
[How</a> To Apply](<a href=“http://www.muhlenberg.edu/admissions/apply.html]How”>http://www.muhlenberg.edu/admissions/apply.html)</p>
<p>Ursinus-- Feb 15
[Ursinus</a> College Admissions Deadlines](<a href=“http://www.ursinus.edu/admission/process/deadlines.asp]Ursinus”>http://www.ursinus.edu/admission/process/deadlines.asp)</p>
<p>You can look up some info here:
[University</a> and College Accountability Network - Free. Easy.](<a href=“ucan-network.org”>http://members.ucan-network.org/)
[College</a> Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics](<a href=“http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/]College”>College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics)</p>