<p>So, I'm a high school senior attending college this fall with full tuition covered by a merit-based scholarship (I believe) from my college. My EFC is below 1000, and my AGI is below 50,000.</p>
<p>So, in terms of small scholarships or grants INDEPENDENT OF those rewarded by the college's financial aid package, what constitutes financial need? How much you actually have to pay for tuition (in this case nothing), or my financial status (low income)? Some of these scholarships that I intend to apply to are based on essays, GPA (though at a low threshold), and extracurricular involvement.</p>
<p>In other words, do scholarships conflict with each other? If one institutional scholarship pays for my tuition, am I automatically ineligible for need-based scholarships from assorted organizations? Common sense says yes and that I am ineligible, but what about books, dorms, etc., which may total $15,000 a year?</p>
<p>Every scholarship is different. Each group has their own criteria. Some that my D has applied for have asked about her school’s COA and if she has any other scholarships and some have just wanted EFC and income info. Sometimes the different questions have come in the second round. We just figured it was worth applying for them all and seeing what happens. There are some that say they can only be used for tuition, fees and books, though, so that is something to be aware of.</p>
<p>Does that mean I can’t apply for one that covers tuition, or will they take it away from me once they find out another scholarship from my college itself already covers it fully? Do you think I should apply just to see “what happens”? I don’t want to waste my time on the essays, interviews, etc., though.</p>
<p>Is your merit-based scholarship specifically for tuition, or is it simply to cover part of the total cost of attendance? </p>
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<p>I don’t see why you’d be automatically ineligible. There’s more to college costs than simply tuition. You do need to fill out the application completely, and if it asks if you’ve received any other scholarships (merit or need-based) then simply list what you’ve received. Let the scholarship committee decide whether or not they think you have “need”.</p>
<p>For those scholarships that use a variety of criteria to determine awards, you’ll probably have no way of knowing how important the “need” component is. If you think you can submit an excellent application that addresses their other criteria, then you have nothing to lose by going ahead & submitting.</p>
<p>Thank you. The issue isn’t whether they will deny giving me the grant, but whether I will get it but not be able to use it. It would be a shame to take the grants from those really in need of tuition money, although I really need money if I plan to dorm. I believe the scholarship is for tuition only, and just to encourage me to enroll as I’m overqualified for the school (it’s my safety).</p>
<p>The term “need” means Cost of Attendance less Expected Family Contribution (less other financial aid, excluding parent loans). So, you can certainly be eligible for additional grants/scholarships above your full tuition scholarship. Schools will award aid up to their COA (but most don’t have that much aid available). If your outside scholarships exceed the COA, then you may have a problem.</p>