<p>Kathiep, your advice pertains to our situation as well. Don't know your kids' profiles, but just from experience and a short chat with the GC at his school, it is unlikely we will get aid. The grades, test scores, recs, activities just do not put my S in the category as a highly desirable student if we are not full pay. We shall give it a go, but we do need a number of financial safety schools as well. We have found that a number of those unspecified scholarships are also highly dependent on academic stats or some factor that the school really wants. With an average kid, with a slightly above average academic background, there is not much money out there. The private schools at that level tend not to provide anywhere near 100% of need even if need is clearaly there, and most of the financial packages are loans. What we are finding difficult is finding the proper mix in atmosphere and cost with the likelihood of admissions. I don't think my S would get into Penn State because of the onus on the stats, and that is not the type of school we are targetting any ways. West Chester, Millersville, little SUNYs are really more his level in the state school area. St Mary's is a lovely school at a decent price, but it is a bit selective. It would be a reach for us, though it is on our list as is Mary Washington. In our case, it is the safety and match schools with financials in consideration that are difficult to find when you throw in that atmosphere element.</p>