FREAAAK OUT: financial aid!!!!!

Parents Forum
21

<p>Even with merit aid, however, she probably can't afford U Del because they probably wouldn't meet her financial need since she's from out of state.</p>

<p>It is very unlikely that any out of state public universities will meet her sky high financial need, so she probably shouldn't waste her time applying to them.</p>

<p>It would be important, though, to get her apps in early to NY State public universities as many public universities are on rolling admission, and consider financial aid on a first come, first served basis.</p>

<p>One question for the OP: Since you're helping to support your family, even if you get spectacular aid to go to college, how will your family be financially without your contributions?</p>

<p>You also may wish to consider taking a gap year at Americorps and doing the volunteer work in NY State. You'd get about $200 a week, which would cover living expenses if you live away from home. You'd also get about $4,700 that you can use to help pay for college. Colleges are impressed by Americorps volunteers, so the gap year wouldn't hurt you in terms of getting into college. It may even help you get merit aid designed for students with strong community service.</p>

22

<p>That's a good point NSMom about getting in early to the NY State schools. My daughter got hers in last week and has had a lot of communication. Plattsburgh thinks she might get about $4000 in merit aid for various things, which is a lot toward the cost of in-state tuition. And my daughter isn't anywhere the level of the poster in stats. There seems to be some nice money available at SUNYs (although quietly available!).</p>

23

<p>Hmmm...my d's roommate is a Robertson. Her stats are lower than my d's, but she was very involved in a couple of unusual community service projects (leader/founder). Roommate got the Robertson, my d only got NMF $ and Honors Program.</p>

<p>Also...both my d and her roommate are excellent creative writers. I think this will be the strong part of your UNC app...make the most of what you got is what I say. To me, your writing and verbal seem adequate for UNC, and you may want to try to get your Math over 700. And just blow 'em away with a good essay.</p>

24

<p>UNC Chapel Hill Robertson:</p>

<p>"The Robertson Scholars Program faces the very difficult task of selecting only 150 students from Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill's applicant pools of over 37,000 students."</p>

<p>If UNC chapel hill AND Duke are choosing only 150 total recipients out of 37,000 applicants, I would say that the competition is tough and stats must be high or you must have some very unusual "hook".</p>

25

<p>I agree...I think they are looking for candidates with unusual profiles for the Robertson. But I don't think that less than perfect scores will mitigate a wonderful community service project or an unusual life experience. My d has met a few of the Robertsons and most have lower numerical stats than hers. But they have other things going on. Can't win if you don't enter.</p>

26

<p>Berea College in Kentucky only serves low income students, providing all with full tuition scholarships. It also provides scholarships covering dorm costs, etc. for many students.</p>

<p>It is a well regarded college. It may be your very best option for going out of state, but do keep in mind that even with scholarship help, it still would be difficult for you to get there, and to go home in case of emergency.</p>

<p>Here's a link: <a href="http://www.berea.edu/prospectivestudents/financialaid/tuitionscholarship.asp%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.berea.edu/prospectivestudents/financialaid/tuitionscholarship.asp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>As for UNC's Robertson, check the profiles on their site and on Duke's site about the scholars. Also check the ones in the UNC section of CC, and also check CC's archives. Based on the info that I've seen, the OP would be a longshot because it seems that Robertson Scholarships are used to attract students who may otherwise go to colleges like Harvard and Stanford.</p>

27

<p>Maybe NSM, but based on personal experience, not a safe conclusion about the Robertson. I don't want to get too much further into it because to do so might be construed as insulting to some and discouraging to others.</p>

28

<p>Here's an example of the kind of financial aid info that you can get by check colleges' web sites. THis is from Utica College.</p>

<p>This was the aid that a student got whose parents made $58,000 plus were sending another child to college, too. As you can see by comparing what the student got to the cost of a Utica College education, she still had about $14,000 a year to cover.</p>

<p>Federal Pell Grant:$1,350
NY State TAP:2,257
Federally Subsidized Student Loan:2,625
Utica College Grant: 8,000
Residence Hall Grant: 1,500
Work-Study: 1,400
Private Loan: $2,000
Total Package:
$19,132</p>

<p>Annual Cost of Full-Time Attendance (effective June 1, 2006) Annual Billable Costs*
Tuition $23,130
Room and board (average): 9,510+
Fees: 310
Other Expenses
(average)
Books and supplies: $870
Transportation: 630
Personal expenses: 730</p>

29

<p>In taking another look at your info, I realize that while your scores are low for top colleges, your ECs are excellent, particularly being a voting member of your town council and doing the keynote and Girls State. Those combined with your low income may make the Ivies more in reach for you than they'd normally be for a person with your scores. I still think that UNC's Roberson is even more of a reach, but give their application your best shot. No one really knows chances except adcoms, which I am not.</p>

<p>You might be able to get into Vandy and qualify for some of their excellent merit aid based on community service. I think that scholarship requires an application, so check out their site now.</p>

<p>Perhaps Boston College might consider your for their merit aid. It's very hard to get, but it depends on community service and leadership. If you are Catholic, that probably would be a plus. </p>

<p>Also check out colleges offering Bonners Scholarships, which are specifically for low income students with a history of leadershp and community service.</p>

<p>Here's some info from Rhodes College in Memphis' Bonners program. While the scholarships may not cover full costs of college, those scholarships can be supplemented by other merit aid and need-based aid.</p>

<p>"The Bonner Scholarship is for entering students who have a passion for service and social justice, and who require financial assistance in order to attend Rhodes. An application for the Bonner Scholarship is available through the Office of Admissions. </p>

<p>Along with Bonner Scholar Programs at Berea, Morehouse, Spelman, Davidson, Antioch, Oberlin, DePauw, Warren Wilson, Earlham, Wofford, Maryville, University of Richmond and other colleges, Rhodes offers up to 15 four-year service scholarships to entering students who have financial need and an exceptional commitment to serving in the community.</p>

<p>The Bonner Scholarship at Rhodes includes an educational stipend of $2,100/year paid directly to the student, along with an annual fellowship of $10,000. Bonner Scholars also receive a $5,000 fund to carry out two summer service projects in Memphis or anywhere in the world, and a $1,600 loan-reduction award is available upon graduation. With Bonner support, students who have high financial need can pursue their passions for service and civic engagement without being obligated to part-time jobs. The Bonner Scholarship is currently awarded to more than 1,500 students at 25 colleges and universities nationwide."</p>

<p>Boston University also gives excellent merit aid to a few students with good stats, leadership, ECs with (from what I can tell) preference to students who overcame challenges. Your helping to support your family is a big plus in your favor.</p>

30

<p>Have you looked at William Smith (the female half of Hobart College)? They do have merit money but I don't know if you could reasonably expect to get a full ride.</p>

31

<p>northstarmom: </p>

<p>I don't think that she was a Girls State delegate. It sounds like she was one of her school's nominees, but someone else was selected.</p>

32

<p>I really think that it is in this girl's best interest to find a school in her state so she can also use the NYS TAP (tuition assistance program) - which is an additional 5k per year on top of other F/A that she could get. Since her parents have had significant medical and job loss expenses in recent years, it is unlikely that they will be able to provide their EFC - which could be about 4k. </p>

<p>Because of her dad's tenuous health situation, she could have to return home (with little notice) if he has any health crises -- a huge cost if she has to fly. Like most typical students who have "gone away" to college, she will likely come home several times a year for Tgiving, Christmas, summer, etc. Who is going to pay for that if she has to fly????</p>

<p>She can still "get out of Buffalo" without going too far away. Every part of NY is different from another part. She can be within a few hours driving distance and still feel that she is "not in Buffalo".</p>

<p>So.... which NY Universities will most likely offer the most in grants/merit (not a bunch of loans)? I think it would be a big plus if the schools have substantial "on campus" housing so that she will get more of the "campus feel" and will not have to deal with the added expenses of apt living.</p>

33

<p>
[quote]
Berea College, founded by ardent abolitionists and radical reformers, continues today as an educational institution still firmly rooted in its historic purpose "to promote the cause of Christ." Adherence to the College's scriptural foundation, "God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth," shapes the College's culture

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Re the Berea college suggestion, the above quote from the Berea website mission statement indicates this college might not be to everyone's taste</p>

34

<p>Then, these are things that stand out in her ECs:</p>

<h1>1: This is a big deal because she's working because her family needs money, and yet, she still is carrying a demanding schedule and academically achieving. Colleges and scholarship programs want to help students who are working hard to help themselves: WORK: Busser at restaraunt (May 2005-present, 12 hours a week)</h1>

<p>Only member of family employed at moment due to father's cancer
Hostess at another restaraunt (Jan. 2006-present, 7-8 hours a week)</p>

<p>Her work to help support her family after her father's illness would make an excellent essay topic because it would show how she has the strength of character to rise above adversity. It also might be a good idea for her to submit an extra recommendation from her supervisor at the restaurant where she's hosting. Even if the supervisor isn't that articulate, a letter attesting to her sense of responsibility, etc. would bolster her application. Just make sure that the colleges that you apply to allow such letters. Many do.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>This is very important since she keynoted a national conference. Anything that is a national honor, particularly a very unusual one, is a big deal: Keynote Speaker: Junior National Young Leaders Conference</p></li>
<li><p>National helps here even though knowing Parade, what was published was short: ~ Published in Parade Magazine: fresh voices</p></li>
<li><p>State level honor is a big deal particularly if she was the top or only winner: NY State winner of Essay Contest</p></li>
<li><p>Very big deal to be the only student able to vote on a town board: ~ Youth voting member of Town Board</p></li>
<li><p>It's also important that she's a first generation, low income college student (which I found out from one of her other posts). This will help her more in top private universities than in state universities, which get lots of applicants like that.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>OP, are you just a junior? If so, based on your SAT that you've reported, if you study, you may be able to make NM Commended or even NM Scholar on the PSAT next month (which you need to take in order to be in competition for those awards).</p>

<p>If not, what are your senior year classes and ECs?</p>

<p>When you list your ECs and honors on your applications, I strongly recommend that you list them in order of importance and leave off the relatively minor ones, which may distract the admissions officers. They read applications fast, so listing things in order of importance will help catch their attention.</p>

35

<p>2006-07 Typical Expenses for
Undergraduate Students at a SUNY College</p>

<p>New York State Residents
Living on Campus
Tuition ...................$4,350
Student Fees.......... $1,010
Room and Board...... $8,520
Books and Supplies.. $1,100
Personal Expenses... $1,320
Home Visits............. $580
TOTAL COST.......... $16,880 per year</p>

<p>I am including the above because many high school students only look at "tuition" and tend to forget or minimize all the other expense involved.</p>

<hr>

<p>SUNY - Geneseo
55% live on campus</p>

<p>SAT range
Math 600-670</p>

<h2>Verbal 600-670</h2>

<p>SUNY - Albany
58% live on campus</p>

<p>SAT range
Math 530-620
Verbal 510-600</p>

<hr>

<p>I don't think that she is a junior, I think that she is a senior -- she was already nominated for Girls State - which happens at the end of Junior year.</p>

36

<p>It looks like if you can get your SAT score to a 1400 Ohio University will award you full tuition including OOS surcharge. University of Akron and Kent State will waive OOS tuition but I don't know if you would receive any more than that. I mentioned those two because they would not be very far from Buffalo. </p>

<p>Other schools where you might qualify for financial aid and would not be too far from Buffalo would be schools in Cleveland such as Baldwin Wallace and John Carroll. Another school to consider in Ohio which I hear is generous with aid is Wittenberg. All of these schools, your stats are much higher and therefore they might award a near full scholarship.</p>

<p>I would think that you could receive quite a bit of aid from the University of Dayton, I hear that they are very generous and your stats again are very high for this school. You could also look at Bowling Green although I looked on their website and I am unable to determine what you could qualify for as an OOS student.</p>

37

<p>OP</p>

<p>How much have you discussed "college" with your parents?</p>

<p>Are they involved at all, or are they nervous about the whole thing because of their financial situation (such as what they can contribute and/or how much they will lose if you can no longer contribute to the family)?</p>

<p>Are you aware of ALL the costs involved with college? I'm afraid that even if you can get "full" or "near full" tuition (or even a bit more) at a various college you will still have about 10k-12k or more a year that will still be unfunded (for room/board/fees/books/misc/travel).</p>

<p>Also, would you be interested in a school with a good honors program? A good honors program can give you a "small college LAC" feel within a bigger school.</p>

38

<p>thank you alll soooo much. im feeling a tad better and couldnt be without all of you.</p>

<p>yes, i am a senior. and to the above poster, a bigger school with a honors program would be IDEAL. any ideas of specific schools?</p>

<p>i love dayton and i hope that its true that they are generous...thatd be awesome!</p>

<p>as far as my ECs, thanks so much for taking the time to look and pick out ones that ive been particularly proud of and that i find unique. im glad to find that someone else does.</p>

<p>now...
1. Is UPenn a strong possibility for me? What other ivies could i potentially look into/higher schools that meet 100% need?
2. I'm thinking possible essay topics now: in the "additional essay option" on some apps, i could write about supporting my family and that whole situation, etc. and for the regular essay, i was gonna write about overcoming my fear of public speaking and being the keynote for a national conference. </p>

<p>how do those sound? for virginia and unc im gonna get a little more creative and talk about a specific experience i had in north dakota (the prize from one of my essay contests was a free trip to a youth conference there) watching a real native american speak and the inspiration behind her, etc. and then im also gonna write about my curiousity about people from different places and how i think other people from those places view me and how we're all so different and how that absolutely fascinates me. </p>

<p>hows that? </p>

<p>THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH!! you are helping me more than anyone else has in this whole process.</p>

39

<p>G..O..B, Have you looked at College of Wooster? They offer very good financial aid packages and have a list of merit scholarships offered each year. If you can combine both, your cost of attendance can be quite low.</p>

40

<p>Yeah OP, scratch Berea off any tentative list. I figured they were similar to Alice Lloyd College, which is also in the countryside of Kentucky...I was raised really near the Kentucky border...</p>

<p>Here is a big old quote from their site...</p>

<p>To achieve this purpose, Berea College commits itself </p>

<p>To provide an educational opportunity primarily for students from Appalachia, black and white, who have great promise and limited economic resources.
To provide an education of high quality with a liberal arts foundation and outlook.
To stimulate understanding of the Christian faith and its many expressions and to emphasize the Christian ethic and the motive of service to others.
To provide for all students through the labor program experiences for learning and serving in community, and to demonstrate that labor, mental and manual, has dignity as well as utility.
To assert the kinship of all people and to provide interracial education with a particular emphasis on understanding and equality among blacks and whites.
To create a democratic community dedicated to education and equality for women and men.
To maintain a residential campus and to encourage in all members of the community a way of life characterized by plain living, pride in labor well done, zest for learning, high personal standards, and concern for the welfare of others.
To serve the Appalachian region primarily through education but also by other appropriate services.</p>