<p>Barnard is my #1 choice and I REALLY REALLY want to go there, but my parents don’t want me to apply ED anywhere. My grades are below what Barnard likes and there’s nothing about me that’s so stellar they’d want to accept me really bad, but it seems like the perfect school for me…I just don’t want to screw it up b/c my application is all I have and I really really want to go to Barnard. Also, my family makes a lot of money but I have 3 siblings, so with all of our tuitions, my parents are really nervous that I’m leaning towards more expensive schools (like Barnard). Is their aid only need-based? </p>
<p>Thanks so much! I just want to make sure applying RD won’t make them think I’m not crazy about their school. I am, its just my parents don’t want me to commit to just one school and I want more time to do my app. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Yes, Barnard’s aid is need-based. Your parents are wise to have you wait to apply RD. Just blow your essays away and let them know how Barnard is your first choice. Get as much info as you can about the school by reading through their site and the posts on this board. Visit if you can…and do an interview. This also shows interest. </p>
<p>There is a notion (expressed very well by Calmom elsewhere on these boards) that if you have stats which are below what Barnard would “want” , they would have no reason to accept you ED…your chances might actually improve in the RD pool. So take your time with that application and those essays! </p>
<p>I think you need to talk to your parents seriously about money. Are your siblings older or younger? (That is – are they worried about what they will be able to pay for them down the line, or do you have some who are already in college). Have you run a rough calculation of the family finances on FAFSA? Are there significant assets, such as home equity, that need to be accounted for on top of the FAFSA? </p>
<p>If your parents can’t pay what Barnard will expect them to pay… then you won’t be able to attend. You need to be realistic, and plan accordingly. </p>
<p>That doesn’t mean you can’t apply, if there is at least a reasonable chance that you might get adequate aid, but it makes now sense for you to have your heart set on a school that your parents can’t pay for. </p>
<p>Please – sit down with your parents and find out what their bottom line is in terms of paying for college.</p>
<p>Also, I’d point out that even if Barnard did offer merit aid – which it doesn’t – it wouldn’t be giving any such aid to students whose grades are below what they usually like. (to quote your words). Colleges that give merit money offer it to attract the students at the top of their applicant pool – so when you are looking for merit aid, you need to be focusing on schools that are safeties or strong matches for you.</p>