financial aid @ w&l

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington & Lee University
1

<p>W&L is my first choice school, but I can't go unless I get at least $13,000/yr financial aid from them. However, my family's income is a little over $200,000, which I know is probably way too high for aid. We don't really have any special cirumstances either except that my dad is almost 60 and needs to retire in the next couple of years. I'm going to apply for the GW Honor Scholarship but I don't know if I have a chance. Here are my stats:</p>

<p>SAT: 1450/2220
SAT IIs: Chem - 720, Math II - 710, US History - 630 (don't ask why I took that)
GPA: 4.12/4.5</p>

<p>I have taken all honors and AP classes all through high school whenever possible.
AP Chem - 4
AP US History - 5</p>

<p>This year, I have 6 APs.</p>

<p>ECs
Varsity Gymnastics (11,12)
Junior Varsity Swimming (10, 11)
Junior Varsity Track & Field (10, 11)
Student Prevention Education League (10, 11, 12)
Reaching Everyone By Exposing Lies (anti-smoking) (10, 11, 12)
Catholic Youth Organization (9, 10)
Key Club (10, 11, 12)
School newspaper (9, 10, 11, 12)
Entertainment Columnist (11, 12)
Science League (Biology I and Chemistry II) (9, 11)</p>

<p>Honor Societies/Awards, etc.
National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, Spanish Honor Society, New Jersey Institute of Technology Lillian Moller Gilbreth Women Leaders in Technology award, Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute Medalist recipient ($15,000 scholarship), University of Virginia Jefferson Scholars nominee, National Merit Commended Scholar (listed W&L as my first choice school)</p>

<p>Summer Activities
Camper at Lindley G. Cook 4H camp (9, 10, 11)
Volunteer Counselor at Lindley G. Cook 4H Camp (12)
Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute (anti-drug camp) - 11
W&L Summer Scholars (12)</p>

<p>Any help would be appreciated. Also, if I don't get anything through the GW scholarship (which will probably be the case), do you think the admission office might give me a bit if I email them and explain my situation? I've shown as much demonstrated interest in W&L as possible so they know I really want to go there/</p>

2

<p>try getting some outside scholarships</p>

3

<p>having been down this financial road once before, here's some additional considerations for you and your family--i'll assume you haven't familiarized yourself so excuse me if you have.</p>

<p>stafford loans--$2500 per year. small dent in that $13k
plus loans--one parent should sign to cover what isn't covered by financial aid. forgiven with permanent disability/death (not that anyone wants that but it is good to know upfront). up to 30 years to repay. makes college affordable. the outlay per mo is akin to a car payment. in my mind, this is a tremendous bargain when you figure the inflation/debasement of the dollar over a thirty year period. when you compare to those who have saved for their kids education and that's the first item the college takes, the system penalizes those who have done this.
don't have two parents sign the plus loan. just one.</p>

<p>those outside scholarships--i know of one kid who amassed almost the entire cost of his tuition by writing and applying for almost everything. $500 here, $100, $1000--it all mounts up. most kids won't apply. </p>

<p>the $200k gross may not be that much depending on the outlay expended. there is a small percentage in that 200k+ category that does get fin aid.</p>

<p>good luck</p>

4

<p>The GWHS competition is NOT purely a numbers game. My S, a very happy freshman, is proof of that. You've got the demonstrated interest down. So now spend whatever time you can to write essays that let them know both who you are and why you love W&L -- hopefully that will also reveal why the University should invest in you. Good writing is good editing. Go beyond your teachers and counselors and ask an adult who has known you a long time to read yours and comment -- honestly. And our experience is that they will look at absolutely everything you send them, so don't be afraid to step outside the box -- send something germane that adds some life to your application. For example, my S wrote about an experiential trip he took and included photos. Oh, and if you have an alumnus in admissions in your area, contact that person and perhaps he can help as well. Ours was invaluable -- another character who demonstrated the power of the famous W&L networking system.</p>

<p>Good luck and GO GENERALS!</p>