To all Parents whose Freshmen is getting some need based FA

DO NOT accept the very first FA offer from the school.  Unless it is more than generours than you could ever dream of. 

Before admission, the school is the grandpa and you are the grandson.  Once you got in, you are now the grandpa and they become the grandson.  This is especially true for schools that care about their yield and admission rate. 

Remember, published rules are used only as guidelines.  How much you get is based on your "demonstrated" need.  The key is "demonstrated".  Same income and net worth families could have very different outcomes depending how they "demonstrate" their need. 

Please don't not send me e-mails asking me the details and specifics.  I have given all I could.  I do have a regular job. 

Please also remember, FA office people have done their job for many years and they know things.  If you had done illegal hand/foot and got caught, your kid could be expelled.