Having just gone through the process of getting my son into "The College Of His Choice", I'd say go for it, hope you get the school you want but remember that what you do is much more important than what school you get into. Once you get in there, get into the academic groove, use the college and it's faculty AND the network of alumni that goes with it to their fullest...don't ever be afraid to ask for something because those who are too timid, proud or polite to ask don't get nothin' (and someone tell MY son this, please, because since I'm just his poor dumb father, my advice is blocked out instantly).

Remember that any financial aid that you're going to get is probably only going to last for the first four years of under-grad, so don't screw around and get as much as you can then...no ******** courses that are easy grades: you're there and paying for it, get your money's worth. Beginning your second year, start looking for those grad student positions and fellowships...that's how you're going to pay for the post grad work. You'll undoubtedly come out with student loans to pay back but that's the norm these days and it looks like the interest rates on those is going to start getting lowered.

When applying, if financial aid is important, apply to Privates rather than Publics. Study the trends and you will see that Privates are the ones that have BIG ENDOWMENTS and will give you more financial aid than a Public.

Out of the three schools that accepted my son the one that offered the best financial aid package was the one with the highest tuition...that was a slam dunk.

Good luck, wear your kilt on campus and save the damn whales, already!

Best

AA