<p>I'm applying for FA, but I'm really not sure if we qualify because we technically can pay tuition. I even tried Harvard's FA calculator-- we don't qualify for that much. It's just that I don't want to have my parents spend $200K on me before I even go to college, although we can definitely do it without loans.</p>
<p>I just want some parent opinions here. Is it seriously worth $50,000 a year to go to a boarding school, when I could go to public school for free? How do you parents feel about paying college-tuition prices for high school? I really want to go, but sometimes I just don't feel like it's worth it. Thanks!</p>
<p>You should discuss this with your parents, not online. Try to make a list of pros and cons for attending boarding school vs. public school. Be honest with your parents. You will all feel happier about a joint decision. However, this is your family’s business, not ours. Good luck!</p>
<p>I agree with Periwinkle that you should be talking to you parents. But just in case they are not savvy in these things either, here are a few pointers. FA is generally need-based and how much you need is based on a formula that SSS/NAIS uses. Individual boarding schools will interpret the SSS recommendation somewhat differently, but if your family does not have a real need, it may not be worth applying. I think most people here would agree that admission for FA candidates is much more competitive, so again, if you don’t need it, you might consider that it could affect your admission and that there are others who really do need it. </p>
<p>As for whether BS is a better option, that depends on what you currently have available. Personally, if we had a viable local option we probably wouldn’t be doing this. Many of these boarding schools are fabulous, but we wouldn’t have looked into it if we’d felt okay about staying local. </p>
<p>So, yes, do have a good talk with parents. This whole process can bring you closer, no matter what the outcome.</p>
<p>Harvard’s financial aid calculator isn’t a good one to use for boarding school. Go to Exeter’s site and use theirs since it’s built to consider the circumstances of high school entrance (with college looming) including families with higher incomes.</p>
<p>And I agree - this is a matter for your parents to decide - don’t try to second guess them especially since students who need FA are in a competitive pool for limited funds. They may or may not be able to handle the $50,000+ bill. Having means, is not the same as having that kind of liquidity. But if they can handle it, they may be able and willing to spend it. The vast majority of students on most campuses are doing that.</p>
<p>On the other hand, remember, most aid candidates don’t get full aid - most are getting partial aid and paying the rest of the bill in installments.</p>
<p>I guess I got a little behind myself here. We’ve decided to apply for FA anyways (or at least send our pfs in…who knows what our expected family contribution is going to be) and then fret about it IF (emphasis added) I get in. </p>
<p>Oh right. Another question. If our expected contribution is higher than tuition by a significant amount, will the schools treat me as FP or will I continue to be a financial aid applicant?</p>
<p>But thanks for the replies so far!</p>