<p>The school I'm applying to gives admissions decisions on March 1st. It's a southern boarding school. I was accepted, but I've been put on the financial aid waitlist. My parents make about half of the tuition yearly, so I need full aid or VERY close to it. I don't even get any aid. What do I do now? It's the only school I applied to, and I know I was more than qualified for aid. I obviously can't attend without any sort of aid. I'm going to have to deny my spot at the school and go to a crappy public school. I really don't want to do that. Are there any other options? (Other than a payment plan, loan, etc.)</p>
<p>No one here really knows, so can you call the school and ask to speak with the director of financial aid? Good luck!</p>
<p>You have a few options. A financial aid waitlist is sometimes used as a softer way of saying “no” to an applicant, so you can wait to see what happens, but the money is probably not going to come through. Another option is to apply to other schools. True, the “deadlines” have all passed, but many boarding schools continue to consider applicants throughout the spring. This is one of those weird secret things that I find infuriating about BS culture. I’m talking about good schools with acceptance rates of 30%-50% (arbitrary percentages to clarify that I’m not talking about the most selective schools, nor am I talking about schools that let in everyone.) who state their application deadline as Jan 15 (or whenever). Having said that, your need for financial aid will make everything more difficult. Still, if your public school truly is crappy, and you have academic, personal and athletic strengths that can add to a boarding school community, there are plenty of good boarding schools that might roll the dice on you–even at this point in the year. All you can do is investigate, call schools to ask questions, and see where the path takes you. Good Luck.</p>
<p>If OP is asking about funding outside school such as a merit-based scholarship, there’re very few and they are super competitive, and I believe the application deadlines have all passed.</p>
<p>I think that sometimes, certainly, FA wait list money does come through. I know this did occur at the BS I worked at… and last year, one of the acceptance packages my kid received included a full FA award and in bold print " PLEASE , Let us know as soon as possible if you will not be accepting this award, as there are over 100 anxious students on the FA wait list ". My kid chose to attend a different school, and we imagined some kid on the wait list getting a very happy phone call as a result. I hope that’s the way it played out. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Thanks @stargirl3</p>
<p>@Albion thank you so much! Do you have any suggestions for schools to check? I’m looking into The Webb School in TN, Saint Andrew’s-Sewanee in TN, Tallulah Falls School in GA, and Asheville School in NC. I’d rather go to a school somewhere in the South because of proximity to my home. I’m a straight-A student, typically making 100s in all classes. I made a 25 on the ACT EXPLORE test, which is the highest score, and I’m projected to make a 30 to a 36 on the actual ACT. I’m a writer, actor, and director. I professionally act, am president of the Creative Writing Club, am in Art Club, have a principal role in Seussical Jr., am in Colt Corral Club (my school’s invitation-only honors club), and am in Beta Club. I lack in community service because we don’t have a lot of opportunities for 13-year-olds where I live. I took the ISEE test and scored a 7, two 8s, and a 9, if that helps narrow schools down. </p>
<p>@Benley I’m not necessarily looking for a merit-based scholarship, just other schools that would possibly accept me with FA or if there is any chance that the financial aid department at the school I applied to would give me aid.</p>
<p>@cameo43 I so hope this happens! The head of FA told me not to expect it to happen, though, and I have to enroll by March 10. Thank you!</p>
<p>I was actually thinking of Webb and Asheville, so I’m glad they are on your list. It’s not truly southern, but Episcopal High School just outside of D.C. has a theatre program with a very good reputation–worth looking at their website, anyway.</p>
<p>@Albion Awesome!! I’ll definitely check it out! The only thing is having to buy plane tickets to and from school for breaks and stuff. Would it be worth it to contact the theatre director/teacher there as well as the admissions office? Would that give me any edge? And should I tell the schools I’m trying to apply to that I was accepted into a school but FA waitlisted? I’ve been up front with the two so far, telling them I would need full aid or close to it. I haven’t told them I was accepted but FA waitlisted yet. </p>
<p>I second looking into Episcopal. I believe they offer merit scholarships as well as traditional FA. I think St. Andrews in TN is also a good choice for a closer look.</p>
<p>My child turned down a full financial aid package last year that we hope went to someone on the FA wait list. It can happen, but I wouldn’t sit and wait for the call. The possibility of it happening is extremely slim. </p>
<p>Move forward by looking at more schools – many have rolling admissions. In early May (I think) there is a list on the SSAT site that lists schools that still have open spots available.</p>
<p>@Pops2017 Thank you!! I’ll definitely look into Episcopal!</p>
<p>If this is your first choice school, you might consider emailing them to tell them that you will attend if your family can afford it. </p>
<p>@Rellielou This is definitely my first choice school! We have called and spoken to the director of FA, and we have emailed the AO who has been corresponding with us since my interview in October. I plan on personally sending her a “thank you” email and letting her know how much I want to attend. </p>