<p>ive been searching for the thread a long time...could someone kindly provide a link? And possibly keep it flagged on page one of Fin Aid / Scholarships? thank you. In addition, if any of you savants know of web sites that collect info on high merit schools, could you provide a link? Thank you.</p>
<p>We are financially in a bit of a dilemma because, luckily, my husband has found a job $75k and hes taking a $25K pension) but we wiped out our prudent college savings while he was out of work for five years from 2009-13. We tried to live on the $75, but just couldnt pay our bills...mortgage and cost of living. Also lost IRA funds. So now we have a middle class income and according to Net Price Calculators are expected to contribute a lot, but sadly the savings are gone. My DD (just finished 10th grade)is extremely high achieving (first in class, high scores, great ecs) and i need to find her merit scholarships. To our/her disadvantage, the schools she likes--hamilton, CT college, Bryn Mawr, Vassar, Skidmore, are all need-based. She wants to be a French major and prefers to be near home in the NE. While it is far away, I have an interest in Tulane for her, which has generous merit, but is so very competitive for the top prizes. </p>
<p>Given our special circumstances, DD1 is given an award above our EFC at the discretion of her financial aid director and after several phone calls between us delving into the issue. With that iin mind, and hoping that during the summer days the Financial aid officers at LACs (DD2 main interest) are not overburdened, I have phoned several, succinctly outlined our dilemma (always looking for a polite way to say that given our circumstances the net price calculator is virtually useless). In general, I have had two results. First, some women are eager to point out that the aid authorities have the power and exercise it to consider cases like ours so don't be afraid to apply. Second, I am t old that without the full paperwork before her (albeit I acknowledge I am calling with simply a sketch) the woman, quite understandably, cant give me much of an answer,but frustratingly (or perhaps I'm wrong.?) refers me back to the net price calculator.</p>
<p>At one of the encouraging LACs, the woman invited us to visit both the admissions AND the financial aid office. This seemed very generous and kind to me. Is this highly unusual, or canI request interviews...but indeed how could they help if the school is "all need based"? Would someone recall my daughter and perhaps make a note of her as an attractive "need based "candidate? And finally, should I continue with my phone calls to "feel out" the vibe in offices? they have not proved unuseful.</p>
<p>Any gentle guidance and feedback would be so appreciated, friends!</p>