<p>I finished the Gates Millennium, and I think I have a high chance of getting, though only 1000 out of like a billion kids that applied will get it.
Let's say that I do get the Gates Scholarship. What is the point of me applying towards the smaller scholarship? The reason I'm asking is because applying to scholarships cost money (transcripts, stamps, etc) and time (ESSAYS!). I know I have a high chance of not getting Gates--but what are my benefits of applying to these small scholarships when I will already have a full ride? Can it convert to cash, etc?</p>
<p>Don't count your chickens before they hatch.</p>
<p>And you DON'T get your full ride scholarship? You CAN pay for all your college needs? Trust me.....a few dollars in stamps and transcripts is nothing compared to the costs.</p>
<p>Don't use the postage to justify your laziness. Do them.</p>
<p>"I just finished my application to Harvard. I think I have a high chance of getting in, although I know that fewer than 10 in 100 get in and there are 43,000 applications. I know there's a high chance of not getting in. But if I do get in, what's the point of applying to any other colleges? Can I get my application fees back?"</p>
<p>Your question makes just as much sense.</p>
<p>Aubrey, some outside scholarships can apply towards a purchase of a laptop which Gates does not. My D, although being a match for Questbridge, also applied for Gates to try to cover work study, but is still is applying to others in hope for funds for a laptop and work study if she doesn't get Gates. I have noticed that quite a few scholarships don't require you to send transcripts etc. until you have advanced to higher rounds in the selection process. It is best to cover all of your bases.</p>
<p>Thank for you all for all the answers. lol it was harsh but help me realize what I need to do!!</p>
<p>GA2012MOM--thanks for your insights also </p>
<p>The reason is, I already have a Bright Future Scholarship (for Florida) so even if I don't get Gates, I still have this. It gives me a full ride. So if the money I get from small scholarship like $1000 can be convert into personal use?</p>
<p>And I am really poor so I would think I qualify for a lot of finaid need-base?
My EFC=0. What I don't like is that, the scholarship will deduct from the aid that they will give me. I know this is bad, but this give me a disincentive to not apply for those other scholarship. </p>
<p>But my big question, if you win scholarship money, it has to go towards your fund somehow right?</p>
<p>And I don't want to sound cocky, but if I do get a full-ride....and apply to a lot of small scholarship and somehow actually winning some....I will be taking the spots of kids that actually need it?</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>Should I be selfish myself and bank on as much as scholarship as I can b/c you never know how much shortage you will end up needing or that I lose my Bright Future or that, that need-base aid is not enough?</p>
<p>Need based aid generally includes loans, which most folks would rather not have, and work-study, which takes away time you might otherwise spend on social activities.</p>
<p>ahh i see, so bottom line: DO ALL THE SCHOLARSHIPS YOU CAN FIND!</p>
<p>"some outside scholarships can apply towards a purchase of a laptop which Gates does not." </p>
<p>Actually, the GMS does cover the costs of a laptop as long as you have the financial aid office add it to your tuition statement. If you do receive the GMS, their administrative guidelines will tell you everything that they cover.</p>
<p>Regarding your question about what to do with smaller scholarships if you are selected a Gates Scholar, the GMS covers all unmet need and self-help so basically whatever those smaller scholarships and your financial aid package don't cover is what the GMS will award you. The self-help portion is basically where the GMS will replace your loans and work-study awards and will cover additional educational expenses you add to your tuition statement (i.e. a laptop).</p>
<p>It is up to you whether you want to keep any smaller scholarships you receive or not, but the bottom line is with the GMS your entire cost of attendance is covered. Keeping or not keeping the smaller scholarships mainly affects the amount that GMS covers and really is taking away money from other applicants who may not have been as fortunate as you. Now, everything I just said is based on the assumption that you will get the GMS and that you will win smaller scholarships, but you should never assume anything. I would still apply for as many scholarships as possible, and if you do get the GMS, you can always return/decline any other scholarships you've received. They usually don't disburse the award amount until right before you start college, so it wouldn't be like you have all the money stashed up to give back.</p>
<p>Good luck with all your applications!</p>
<p>Thanks for the info about the laptop ProudHusky. D's financial statement doesn't state laptop on it, is it ethical and generally acceptable to ask the financial aid office to add it on?</p>