<p>What are the options for paying for school? I've been applying for scholarships, and it's frustrating and seemingly futile. I got into four fantastic schools that I would be beyond thrilled to attend, but none of them offer merit and their financial aid options are rather pitiful at best.</p>
<p>I was awarded merit at a few schools that I simply cannot fathom attending next year. I have my heart sent on any of the four; what are my options? My parents are in that awful position where they simply make too much to be awarded a lot and too little to actually pay for a 45K + annual tuition.</p>
<p>What are your suggestions? Please help. I'm frantic. I really want a top tier school-- I worked hard enough to earn admission, and I very much want to find some way to possibly afford it.</p>
<p>It's unfortunate that there wasn't better financial planning -- most "top tier" schools offer need-based aid only these days, yet you say your parents make too much for need-based aid. It's sort of like the saying, "eyes were bigger than their stomachs." </p>
<p>You yourself cannot take out enough loans for a 45K a year education. Your parents may be able to do it, but in all honesty, why do that to them? Take the merit aid at the schools you can afford, and maybe you'll be able to attend the others for graduate school. </p>
<p>I'm sorry if I sound harsh about this; I feel sad every time I hear this same story. The bottom line is that students and parents need to talk about what they can afford <em>before</em> application time, so that students know what will and won't be possible.</p>
<p>I've actually been a good saver, so much so that my daughter won't get any financial aid. But it really worries me to pay over $200,000 for college. I think if you have been really successful in school so far, you will be productive at the schools you can afford. And there are SO many high school seniors in your situation; a lot of them will end up going to public schools or schools that give merit aid.</p>
<p>I am surprised that the $$$ issue discussion for many families occurs after acceptances are in!</p>
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<p>I was awarded merit at a few schools that I simply cannot fathom attending next year. >></p>
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<p>This may sound rough...but why did you bother applying to these schools if you couldn't "fathom attending next year". You do realize that other students didn't get merit aid because it was awarded to YOU. </p>
<p>You may want to take a look at these merit award schools. Hopefully there is one of them that will meet your requirements if your parents are not able to fully finance your "dream school" (yes, that's what it sounds like). </p>
<p>You know...you can get a fine education at a school that is not "top tier". You also earned merit aid from these other schools for your hard work. You do have options. </p>
<p>At least you have some other options. So to answer your question "What can I do?" You have a few choices...go to one of the merit award schools, take a gap year and try again next year, or go to your local community college and transfer to a four year school later on. Or as mentioned above...attend one of the merit award schools and go to the dream school for grad school.</p>