<p>There's hardly any time left and I've been pulling my hair out trying to make a decision.......I really wanna go to GeorgiaTech (wanna do engineering) but I'll be paying out-state tutuion at GTech..........that's a big problem since my EFC (expected family contribution) by FAFSA is zero so I dont know if they'll give me enough aid every year.......they've given me a pretty good package for my freshman year but i dont know if they'll give as good a financial packet for the 3 years after that.....any OOS students at GTech who could tell me how easy it is to get aid at GTech ??....I'll have to settle for UC San Diego (i'll be in-state) if I can't afford to go to GTech.........but I really really wanna go to GTech...........please helllpp !!!!I have recently shifted to the U.S. so my parents don't know if they should send me to GTech as an OOS and they're apprehensive about the cost since the financial aid would be uncertain evryyear till i actually get the notification.Advice from any parents out here would be reallY appreciated.......</p>
<p>GA Tech used to have a co-op program - work a semester, go to school a semester -- goes year round, and ends up taking a bit longer, but drastically cuts the cost (Don't know how it worked, exactly, except that it was really popular with OOS kids). I don't know if they still do this. My H's company used to hire some of the co-op students, and often offered them jobs when they graduated.</p>
<p>My S's friend became an RA in soph year at GaTech, and that brought down tuition. He's in engineering and doing quite well</p>
<p>I think it is safe to assume that, unless the aid is contingent on a minimum gpa, that GaTech will offer the same finaid all four years. Have you talked to finaid to get confirmation about this?? If not, call today! They will give you the only information that really matters about this.</p>
<p>There should be some fine print on your financial aid package that tells you the requirements needed to keep your aid. Since yours is merit related (is that right??), there should be a gpa requirement. But, I agree with originalaoog - just call the financial aid office.</p>
<p>I certainly can't see why you would turn down Ga Tech simply because they MIGHT change your aid in the future. IMO you should go there! Like the others, I feel confident that their aid for all four years will be appropriate for your financial status.</p>
<p>You need to talk to financial aid officers at GT to see what typically happens with OOS students who need a lot of aid. I know that many colleges that do NOT guarantee to meet 100% of students' financial need dramatically cut financial aid after soph year because the colleges know that the students aren't likely to transfer then. The students likely will suck it up and take gigantic loans or possibly earn the balance through summer employment and employment during the school year.</p>
<p>My advice works if you're getting need-based aid. if you're getting merit aid, check the restrictions on the aid, including whether the aid is guaranteed for 4 years or depends on your maintaining a certain gpa and pursuing a designated major.</p>
<p>OK, I defer to Northstarmom.</p>
<p>OK......thanx everybody for your advice really appreciated it........most of the aid i was getting was need based.......i had got 3 scholarships which were merit based,northstarmom's advice made a lot of sense thanx.................well i've decided on UCSD......for various reasons......best of luck to everybody with their college experience...........</p>