,<<<
Does it possibly list how many people w/ sub-3.75 GPA’s applied? P
<<<
That probably isnt’ going to be helpful because those with lower GPAs were likely talent admits…athletes or audition/portfolio admits. They got admitted based on their talents despite their GPAs.
So could someone perhaps name off a few options that meet or are close to meeting full need but aren’t quite as difficult to get into? My plan really is to apply to most of the places listed/mentioned in this thread, and if I don’t get an acceptance letter from any, I go to Mizzou; however I would like to at least have a few other options if possible.
There are lots of options on the yolasite for merit. Look at U Richmond.
How likely is it to get a huge merit scholarship?
Go over to the yolasite and look. Those are all assured based on GPA and scores.
Emory Admission’s officer said that they ignore and do not look at freshman grades so that works out perfectly for you.
/
Start your list with an automatic full ride safety from the list linked previously in reply #4.
Is you biological father alive, since you mention living with your mother and stepfather? If so, then be aware that most good financial aid schools want his information. If he is uncooperative or has high income or wealth but will not pay, then you may not get enough financial aid. If that is the case, your list needs to be merit seeking or have schools that do not use his information.
My father just works at KFC taking ppls orders and my stepfather isn’t formally employed; he does landscaping and minor construction for his friend when he needs help and takes a small portion of the contract money.
The merit scholarships at the public colleges and universities are often automatic - you have the stats, you get it. Your reaches are meets-full-needs schools, and with your family income, you would be eligible for very generous need-based aid. Vandy, WashU, etc have a few extremely competitive merit scholarships, but since you should be eligible for a lot of need-based aid, that’s not particularly relevant. Do get the tax return and home equity info,though, and start running some net price calculators. Non-custodial parent income can throw a wrench into things, but since your father’s income is modest that shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Yes, be sure to include all income from your mother, stepfather, and biological father on net price calculator runs, unless the school in question uses only FAFSA or otherwise states that non-custodial parent information is not used (most good financial aid schools do use non-custodial parent information).
.
.
Two of the “100% need” colleges that are slightly easier to get into than the others are St Olaf and Gettysburg. Plus of course the women’s colleges (if you’re a girl).