College admissions

[cindymom]

So, I wanted to share that meeting all those college deadlines is NICE, but as I learned, not absolutely the end if you miss them. I had a daughter at Washington University for 4 years so felt pretty confident about the whole procedure, doing the FAFSA, etc. etc. So when daughter number 2 found a college last summer and applied and was accepted, I thought all was good.
Imagine my surprise when almost a year later, in late May, she got her "financial aid package" and there was NOTHING, not a cent of aid for her. There was not even work-study! Well, it was not a good day and borrowing the entire amount was NOT an option. So, after tears and screaming and crying and laughing, we had no idea what to do.
So, even though I work in a college-prep private high school, I had no experience with someone applying to a NEW school in MAY of their Senior year. So, I told her to go on the net, and start over, find something that looked good and we'd take it from there. She picked a school according to what she now considered good criteria - a school near her boyfriend's school! At this point, it was as good as any other reason. Imagine MY surprise when she was not only accepted but got all kinds of money, letters, more money, more awards and aid all in a week! PHEW. Of course this meant we were going sight unseen and I was praying she'd like it.
So far, she's OK, the financial package is great and it's renowned for what she's interested in, so all in all, we're thrilled and relieved. My advice, don't worry too much because as I've now learned, there ARE options.

[shissncg]

not only are there options, but many schools accept transfer students. so even if you don't get the school you Reaaaally wanted the first time, you can always try again.