<p>*The combined income of both of my parents (although I don’t know my father’s income), is definitely less than $70,000. However, you’re right, I know that OOS publics usually don’t give any financial aid. </p>
<p>I will get a few waivers for apps, but the point of my post was to narrow down the list so that I wouldn’t have to apply to 17 schools. Wrt to financial safeties, most top schools are extremely expensive. I don’t want to sell myself short and only apply to cheap yet mediocre schools. My plan is to apply, fill out aid forms, see which school offers me the most, and then attend that school.
*</p>
<p>You act as if your ONLY choices are: ONLY apply to top schools…or…ONLY apply to cheap (affordable) schools. </p>
<p>Again, surely you’re smart enough to see that it’s not “all or nothing.” A safer strategy is to apply to…</p>
<p>a few reaches, a few matches, and a couple of schools that you know FOR SURE will be affordable.</p>
<p>Your dad may not earn much, but he will still HAVE to fill out the NCP forms. Will he do that? Is he remarried? If he won’t fill out the forms, then you won’t get aid. The school isn’t going to “just take your word for it,” that your parents combined income is under $70k. They will want hard proof.</p>