Sometimes applying for financial aid can make a difference in admissions, even if they state it doesn’t. Some schools will say that if you apply for aid your application goes into a different pile (tougher admissions). Some schools don’t like to be turned down when they offer a space, so if you’ve applied for aid and won’t get it, they might not make the offer.

Most schools will say that they expect parents to understand that they must make education a priority, and sacrifice, like the families that donate, to provide a private school education. I know some schools will give you ideas of how you can afford to pay what they deem your portion, like cutting back on vacations, etc.

Also, families in the exact same situation don’t necessarily get offered the same aid, it depends on what the kid brings to the school. Like a kid with high 90s ISEE scores was offered 1/2 tuition, but a classmate from the same private middle school, same grades, lower ISEE scores, same or less family income, received no offer of aid. (I really wish there was merit aid without financial considerations, it’s only fair since the top students bring in more students with their stats, matriculation, etc.)

Schools have to be very careful now, because in this economy those who are donating are getting ticked off at those who seem to have a similar lifestyle yet are receiving aid.

Good luck!