I think that this is a wonderful insight and very true. I think that the trouble lies in learning how to distinguish God's will from one's own desires. We humans are very good at creating our own justifications and convincing ourselves that our desires are God's calling.

I agree with RootAnn, BUT I would add a couple of things. IF 1) you know that you are going to fall into the ugly middle where you both do not qualify for need-based aid and cannot afford your expected EFC AND 2) your student is a good tester, THEN you might want to consider targeting schools that DO give generous NM aid (although the pool of cash appears to be shrinking as more NM kids are employing this strategy.) Doing this will require an early-in-the-high-school years evaluation of both your student's abilities and your finances. It will also probably require an early test to establish where your student is scoring (you can do this with a free practice test available online.) Looking back, I am so grateful for the members of this forum. I was a first-generation college student who only applied to one school, and I only did that because a friend was going too. I only figured out what NM even was through these boards (imagine my chagrin when I learned that my NM semi-finalist notification in California waaaaay back in the 80's actually, you know, meant something.) I went ahead and had DD take the PSAT as an 8th grader to get a pre-high school baseline. Her scores put NM on my radar very early-on. Now, I am very glad. Personal circumstances are very uncertain, and a full-ride or nearly full-ride may well be what it required for DD to get an undergraduate degree without crushing debt. It's not going to be an option for everyone, but for those for whom it is, it is absolutely worth some additional investigation and effort. ETA: It is probably also worth mentioning that there are NO commuter options where we live.

An alternative perspective: Having one that entailed a near-death experience can create a desire to obsess over keeping that sole little chick safe and well. Or so I think I've heard. Must've read it on the internet. 😳 I know, right? 🤢 (😉)

I was unable to react to your post, due to the lack of 🤬🤬 options. This carp makes me INSANE. And they wonder why so many homeschoolers turn rapidly anti-public school???

Well, there is that, too. I tend to avoid them for the same reason.😳

I like a very well chilled dry Sauvignon Blanc. It's crisp and refreshing and yummy. And I'm really in the mood for a glass. Unfortunately, middle age has meant that I cannot drink wine and expect to sleep ever again.

Oh, my goodness, of course not! One always assumes that books have been rescued and held in a secure location. That's Rule Number 1 in the Bazooka and Flamethrower Deployment Manual™. I cannot believe that I failed to mention that. My deepest apologies. 😳

Ummm, do y'all think this might be a good time to mention the flamethrower? 🤔

((klmama)) ((klmama's friend)) That's so hard. I'm sorry. 😟

I'm sorry, Katie, but I think you need to douse the whole grill with gasoline and light it on fire. Maybe your porch, too. And I may have to nuke our grill now, too. 😳

Reservations?

Slache, are your options going to be limited by Matt's employment status?

HUZZAH! And congratulations!

The certificate came today! HUZZAH! And WHEW!

Jo's handwriting is awful. Jo's handwriting in Russian is magnificent. 🤷‍♀️

❣️

I cannot tell you how glad I was to see this post. I was beginning to think that the ITT devolved into an educational site or something horrific like that. I dunno. I think "if we can make it through December" has more of a ring to it.

This is excellent advice. Absent RootAnn holding my hand, I very well may not have survived to this point.

Aaaaand nothing in the mail today. 😥

Oh, that stinks, Kassia.☹️

And, to answer the question in your thread title, OP. Yes. Just a skosh. 😳

If I haven't said this in a while, I LOVE YOU, ROOTANN. I have seriously been having nightmares about having forgotten something on the application and waking up sweating, with a pounding heart. We have specifically targeted schools with NM for a reason. If I screwed something up, I'd never forgive myself.

Wouldn't it be more effective to file your taxes with the IRS?

Please see Susan's related post. Camp JJM is always open. HTH!

Landing pad ready! Piles of mud-encrusted frozen horse expellations ready for spring thaw and clean-up!