<p>Should I even bother applying for scholarships with financial need as a factor? I have really good scores and am in the top 3% of my class. This was on my FAFSA, but do you think if I wrote a letter saying how my parents just got divorced and my dad now has to pay for two houses it would get me anything? I am already applying for everything i qualify for, but I just wanted to see if I should even bother with financial aid as a factor? And my parents can now apparently get the max PLUS loan for my school. I am going to an instate school in VA that totals with all costs/expenses about $23000/year. Thanks!</p>
<p>Even with extenuating circumstances, with your EFC exceeding your costs by $12K, you would be unlikely to receive anything. You should concentrate on scholarships that are not need based. Look for local scholarships offered through your High School or Community Foundation and check the college website for non-need based scholarships.</p>
<p>If your parents are divorced, did you only include the income info for the parent you live with? </p>
<p>Do you live with your mom or dad? If you live with your mom, you don’t include your dad’s income. </p>
<p>Is your EFC that high using ONLY your custodial parent’s income?</p>
<p>BTW…go ahead and apply for the scholarship. The school may still give you the scholarship because of your scores.</p>