Speaking of nuances, this video shows how middle class and wealthy folks can get more merit aid from colleges. This presentation was done in North Carolina, but the information transfers to other states as well. We just need to substitute our own state universities in when he talks about North Carolina's public universities (except the UNC-Chapel Hill meets full demonstrated need for all students admitted). Low income folks have fewer options. If low-income students are very strong students with some rigorous courses, they should definitely apply to colleges that promise to meet full demonstrated need. There are about 80 colleges in the United States in this category. They are also the most selective colleges in the country, which means they are the hardest to get into. In this video he uses Gettysburg College as one of his example colleges. Gettysburg offers both need-based aid and generous merit aid. Usually, colleges that meet full need offer no merit aid or much less merit aid than the majority of colleges in the states. ScholarFits video

If you want to hear excellent and detailed information about the college admission process as it relates to highly selective colleges, check out this podcast. This father and son team did an especially good job at not trying to reduce this process too simplistically. It's also engaging and fun to listen to. (Note: this is not about most colleges that accept most of their applicants). Start with episode 1 in their College Admission Series(CAS). Hold Me Back podcast