<p>I'm asking because I'm in a very weird and specific situation. Im a very competent student (minus my 28 ACT), and I have tons of examples where my leadership shined through -- numerous awards and what not. </p>
<p>However, my father just got laid off. So when pre-college programs ask for our tax form (in this case 2012's tax return) they will see my father made a six-figure income. That is a horribly poor reflection of our financial status. Before he was laid off, we had a hard time paying for my brother's tuition. Its 999x worse now since father's income=$0 and mothers=<$10,000.</p>
<p>Will pre-college programs see through this? I applied to the leadership seminar at ND (which is all expense paid, no questions asked), but I also want to apply to UChicago's summer program or even Loyola's. Both are $6,000+ </p>
<p>Do I have a shot at geting financial aid at expensive pre-college programs or should I just stick to the $400 courses at the local community college?? Thanks in advance for replies.</p>
<p>They might work with you, but probably not - there’s a difference between a family currently living on $10,000 but which had a six figure income last year, and a family that has lived on $10,000 every year for the last few years. While it feels like your family has struggled with your brother’s tuition, your family probably has assets that could be sold off to pay it - that six figure income must have been spent on something…</p>
<p>The very fact that you would still be able to afford that $400 course at the community college suggests that you don’t have true financial need. Income isn’t the only factor.</p>
<p>In a word, yes. Not all, but some. Some ask for more info than others. You can always explain your situation and they can make a decision. My cousin’s family, in the $80K income range did get help on some precollege programs. On one, the cost as completely waived.</p>
<p>That all depends on the program. I attended the MITES program at MIT last summer, and the paid for the whole six weeks. If that is not the case with the program you intend to apply to, I suggest you speaking to whoever is in charge and explain your situation.</p>
<p>The short answer is yes, some do. I went to CTD at Northwestern with the help of FA. However, not all do and the aid is usually pretty stingy. Cpt gave good advice.</p>
<p>Some precollege programs MIGHT consider your change in financial status. HOWEVER…these precollege programs are VERY optional…VERY. This may not be a popular post, but if your family financial situation is this poor, you might want to consider getting a job this summer instead of attending an expensive, optional precollege program.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. CTS, I was thinking the same thing. I know we are struggling but a student from inner-city Chicago without a father is struggling even more. They would probably give the FA to that student instead of me. I forgot to mention… I am a white male… I feel universities would rather give their limited pre-college FA to minorities since so many of the students applying are affluent white males. </p>
<p>Well, so much for pre-college programs… now I’m going to start looking for some internship opportunities. Do you guys know any near Chicago for a prospective business/econ major? My school district runs an unpaid internship program. I know paid internships for high school students are hard to come by. Thanks for you help, again!</p>
<p>Indeed thumper, I have a job; I’m a lifeguard. I just wanted to do something more with this summer than last summer… The only funds I have in my name were made working my a$$ off last summer. I’d rather work my butt off for a position that will give me experience I can use in my future career. Nonetheless, the skills I have learned lifeguarding (working with others, customer service) are still better than none.</p>
<p>I agree with Thumper. I think that you and your sibling should be looking to be employed as much as possible to help out the family.</p>
<p>As for you “working your a$$ off,” oh please…You worked a lot…just like many other people do. Don’t be so dramatic. Besides, your family needs help right now.</p>
<p>Being a lifeguard is a fine job. Getting a “paid internship” as a high school student will be a challenge at best. Many college students with experience in a field are happy to get UNPAID internships. Count your blessings that you will probably be able to return to your life guarding job. My kid did this for four summers, and found it was amongst the highest paying summer jobs for college students.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies! You guys made me realize I should be a lot more thankful for what I have. Like I said earlier, I just wanted to do something more with my summer than work. I think I’ll end up lifeguarding and possibly (unpaid) interning at a local company. And if I get accepted into ND’s leadership seminar, that will be amazing.</p>
<p>There was this amazing paid internship at the Field Museum but unfortunately they had to cancel it this year. :’( </p>
<p>If any of you have ideas for exciting opportunities during the summer let me know!</p>