Hi! I’ve used college confidential as my guide through a lot of this journey, but never had an account to ask my own questions. I’m hoping someone can help me out!
So, my EFC on the Fasfa is 0. And my household income (family size 3) was roughly 25,000 for 2016. I submitted everything for financial aid, but obviously haven’t heard back yet (not sure how long it’s supposed to take). I was just wondering what my chances are of receiving the Carolina Covenant?
On the topic of Financial Aid, I also put on their my interest in doing a Work-Study. I know this is usually a campus job, but I was wondering what types are common at UNC? I couldn’t find any examples anywhere…
Also, if there are any Covenant Scholars here could you share what the experience has been like? From what I’ve read it talks about mentors and other support materials, but I’d like to hear some first hand accounts.
Sorry for asking so many questions and hope someone can assist me! Thank you!!
I am a freshman Carolina Covenant Scholar. I would say you are pretty certain to receive Carolina Covenant. My EFC was 207 and I received it. I received financial aid notice for next year a week or so ago, so I’d suspect you’ll hear soon. Just make sure you complete all the stuff that they ask for verification.
I don’t personally do Work Study, but I think there is a large variety of what you could do. There was a link they send to everyone eligible for Work Study with all the job positions available. It ranged from working in student stores, the gym to working in different departments (really easy to do homework while you’re working I think).
So yeah, Carolina Covenant is pretty great. They will provide you a peer mentor and a faculty mentor as well, and you typically meet up with them as often as you would like throughout the semester. There are also different events and resources they provide exclusively to you… They’ve had some day trips, watch parties, many dinners, etc.
@MissSuzyQ Thank you so much for responding! All of your advice has been a huge help!! Do you know if it’s an automatic designation or is it only a few people that meet the requirements that receive it? I’m hoping I have the opportunity!
Is there any tips you would give about how to have a successful first year or things I should be doing now to prepare? Thanks!
@UNCCH2022 No problem! Carolina Covenant is an automatic decision based on your financial aid and if your EFC is eligible. They don’t look at academics/scores/involvement/essays or anything.
If you’re anything like most first years, it will be a time of discovery and growth and you will make a lot of wonderful memories while taking engaging classes and thinking deeper about the world around you. As far as tips go, we all sort of figure out what’s right for us at college when we get there, but I would encourage you to join one or two organizations that you really enjoy. Definitely attend FallFest at the beginning of the year where they have all the student organizations (and tons of free food—maybe get this first unlike me, who went to a few of the clubs and then just got the food and left). Oh and in regards to Carolina Covenant, go to the events you are able. I’ve been to some dinners with my faculty mentor and her other mentees and only two other people show up. We always have a great, meaningful time but more students should take advantage of this.
Academically, everyone studies a little differently. In my opinion (as a media and journalism major, not STEM), the classes are a decent amount of work but not necessarily enormously more difficult than I was prepared for. Just be prepared to not be the smartest person in any of your classes ever. We got us some smarties.
@MissSuzyQ if we were offered a work study in our aid are we required to do a work study? And someone told me that every month a covenant scholar receives a stipend of 600 dollars for personal use. Is that true?
My son will be joining this fall (2018) as a Covenant scholar. He has work study so he would have some money to pay for books and personal use. I was wondering how much he has to spend on books per semester? He is biology major but I think every major should have comparable cost for books. Thanks for your help.
@UNC1st UNC the books are expensive. The first few years we spent about $800.00 per semester on books and codes. We now use Amazon and rent a lot of books. The problem is you need codes for a lot of your classes so you have to buy them at the book store. Barnes and Nobles is their bookstore. Have him join the facebook page as people sell their used books cheaper.
@Nurse001 - Thanks, The facebook page that you mentioned. Is that the UNC facebbok page or something else. Please post the link. Is there any internal online bulletin board or site where students post info. Thanks
@UNC1st I tried to post link but not allowed so go on facebook and search. Admitted: UNC 19 that is a public forum with people sub leasing apts and selling stuff.
Covenant is great. Depending on the options you choose, you can get a pretty significant refund when refund season rolls around. And the $600 a month stipend? No, never heard of that lol. Also, you are not required to participate in work study to retain covenant status, it’s optional. I’ve never bought books from the bookstore by the way. Way too expensive. Just use amazon unless you absolutely need a code for the class.
Hope everyone is safe and doing good. A question about financial aid package for second year (sophomore) covenant student. Does UNC give the same amount of money or do they reduce the final amount? The FAFSA score is the same as last year. Thanks.