I wouldn’t assume anything about college admissions, @arsenalfan245. You might wish it were true, but like so many things relating to colleges the answer is probably “sometimes” to the first and “it depends” to the second.
Admissions are likely less competitive in in the spring than in the fall. Some colleges don’t let all the accepted students start in the fall; they make some wait until spring – that way, their test scores aren’t counted for the fall admits. But “less competitive” doesn’t mean “noncompetitive.”
Ability to pay is sometimes a factor, but how much of one depends on both the school and its needs for any given year. Colleges pay for stats. A high standardized test score and GPA are worth money at some schools. Being full pay can help, but it won’t make up for subpar stats. If a college has a need (certain type of major or a particular skill), that can be a factor too. It’s nice when parents have enough money to send kids where they want, but they should always make sure to have a safety that they’re sure to get into and would be happy to attend just in case. Since you’re a low income student, all you can do is hope for the best and make sure you have an affordable safety too.
@austinmshauri thank you for the comment. The schools that post their stats for both fall and spring show a lower acceptance rate for the spring semester. For example: UVA’s acceptance rate for fall is 35-40% and 12% for the spring. Obviously money isn’t everything, but when two students are close wouldn’t they choose the one who can pay? Also, since you are applying to a school as a whole and not a certain college, does your major matter?
If you don’t have to apply to a particular school within a college or want an impacted major, then your major may not matter too much, @arsenalfan245. Transfers don’t usually get much aid, though, so use most of your app money to apply to schools that do. I don’t know of any offhand, but if you post on the financial aid forum posters will tell you if they know of any. Are there any 4-year schools you can commute to from home? If so, that would be a good backup.
@austinmshauri I only applied to two schools for spring to see what happens. Brandeis meets full demonstrated need, but through loans. I will most likely be at the University of Michigan this fall. I will not have to accrue any debt to attend.
The only loan you can take on your own is the $7500/year federal student loan, @arsenalfan245. The Univ. of MI is a great school. I wouldn’t be unhappy if that’s where you end up. Good luck.
@austinmshauri they are an excellent school and will prepare me so well for the rigors of law school. They are a larger campus for my taste, but so many opportunities exist there that are hard to pass up on. I am partaking in a paid research fellowship there this summer. The loan you mentioned was a federal loan. Do schools offer their own loans? UofM will be loan free, but schools like Northeastern will probably require a loan of some sort.
Not to students, no, @arsenalfan245. The max you can take out for undergrad is roughly $27k over 4 years ($5500 as a freshman, $6500 as a soph, and $7500/year as a junior & senior). Low income kids used to be able to get a couple thousand more. Post in the financial aid forum and ask how much transfer students can take in loans. The financial aid experts will let you know all the options. As a low income student, if you have an opportunity to graduate with no debt, take it.
@austinmshauri I plan on it! I won’t attend school A of School B if it means taking debt. Thank you!
Did you receive the email about them releasing decisions today?