<p>
That is easy to say, but it is also largely true. The nuance of it, IMHO, is that some schools create an environment more conducive for that student to succeed. Highest on the list for most students, although this is certainly an individual thing, is A) the level of “competition” (intelligence, academic preparedness, lots of somewhat different but largely interchangeable terms) is a big driver for many. It is easy for even the most dedicated and disciplined student to “coast” when they are usually setting the curve in their class because they are just smarter/more studious/etc. But with many schools letting students place out of the lower level classes and having honors level courses, this can be avoided to some extent. B) That the overall atmosphere is one they are comfortable with and so are inspired to achieve at a high level. Some students really suffer in large classes, or need the closer relationship to professors, or don’t do well in a school that is sports-centric. Greek-centric, whatever. This is why it is better if a student can get a feel for these kinds of issues beforehand and make appropriate choices.</p>
<p>Having said all that, it is rather a “perfect world” scenario. The reality is that many students cannot get that perfect or even desirable fit, either due to financial constraints, where they did and didn’t get admitted, etc. And yet most survive just fine. Perhaps going to Big State U wasn’t the ideal choice, but certainly all flagship state schools provide good educational opportunities, and some of course are world-class. So while attending Tulane vs. another choice might be better for any number of reasons in theory, is it $100,000 of debt better? Of course not. No school is, not even the Ivies.</p>
<p>So to finally answer your original question, merit aid can be adjusted if there is something new in the record, such as improved SAT scores or straight A’s first semester with a few AP courses, for example. But I doubt it would be enough to really change the scenario. For example, let’s say they offered her $17,000 a year in merit. The most it would change to would be $20,000 so it really doesn’t make a dent.</p>
<p>Did you apply for need based aid? Are you sure you don’t qualify? Maybe you already know, you said something about government loans. Bottom line, as much as I can understand a student having a significant preference for one school over another, it will feel like a foolish decision in a few years when the loan payment is more than most people pay every month for a new Mercedes.</p>
<p>Hope that helped a little. Oh, and if she really is set on grad school, or even if that is fairly likely, then that will be her pedigree as far as her career is concerned. And it is very possible to get into the finest grad schools from any reputable university, and by reputable that includes all the state flagship campuses, and hundreds of others. For example, while no one would argue that the University of Montana rivals Harvard or Michigan in reputation, many of their graduates go on to Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, etc. for grad school. Getting into the best grad schools is more about good grades, doing work (research) with profs in the major so you get good recommendations, and focusing on that area of study to show proficiency.</p>