Hello! I am planning to apply to Georgia Tech Early Action, and I want to be considered for the scholarships the school has to offer. I am filling out FAFSA, but how will they know I’m interested in their scholarships? Or is it invite based? Thanks so much! Sorry for this stupid question? 
If you apply early, I believe you are already considered for the scholarships. It’s extremely completitve though. For instate, they have HOPE scholarship which pays nearly full tuition. I’m not sure about out of state.
@laviedemoi99 Most GT scholarships are awarded as part of the admission process and no further application is neccessary. Please note that freshman have to fill out three separate forms to be considered for those scholarships awarded during the admission process (more than just FASFA). However there are some exceptions:
- FIRST Robotics Scholarships has a separate process. http://enrollment.gatech.edu/first-robotics-scholarship
- Presidential/Stamps Scholarship is by invitation. If invited there is additional paperwork and an interview.
- Material Science Scholarship has a separate application. https://www.finaid.gatech.edu/scholarships (By the way go through this link to see if there are any scholarships you are eligible for that require a separate application).
- Scholarships Provided by Local GT Alumni Club in your area. This money is awarded through GT. My DD received one from our local club and she had to do a separate application and interview. This link explains more. http://www.gtalumni.org/s/1481/alumni/index.aspx?sid=1481&gid=21&pgid=711&cid=1519&ecid=1519&crid=0&calpgid=644&calcid=1492
- Women In Engineering Scholarships- this scholarship application opens in January of a student's freshman year and each subsequent year. If the student meets certain criteria they will be invited to apply by WIE. It is awarded in the Spring for the exisiting school year. http://www.wie.gatech.edu/current-students/banquet/scholarships-awards
- Scholarships Awarded by Majors. My DD is a an ME major and each summer the ME dept awards specific scholarships (requiring a separate app). The ME Dept also publishes a newsletter which lists additional scholarship info where GT students are eligible such as the Ford Blue Oval Scholarship. I don't know if other majors do the same.
Frankly you have to just do your homework. Everytime I think my DD has complete knowledge about all the GT-related scholarship, another one pops up. They are not big awards, but she has been fortunate to win some each year which makes GT affordable for our family.
In-state students have different options because they have the HOPE Scholarship and more specific ones awarded through the financial aid office. Be sure to read every email from GT because it may contain additional scholarship info.
Good luck!!
@itsv Thank you for the information. It is very helpful!!! Reading through it, it appears to me for an OOS, full pay student, the only potential scholarships (far reaching) are the big ones (stamp and presidential) right?
@whataboutcollege I am up late working on a project so I just saw your question. I can’t necessarily say that Stamps and Presidential are the only big ones for full-pay OOS. I do know Provost is pretty good and specifically for OOS. I think it is between $20-$24K per year. However my DD’s friends might have one that I have never heard of before like the Goldbulb(sounds something like it) or on a GT studetn’s Linkedin I will see a mention of a scholarship from GT that I have never heard of before and have no idea how much it is for. Presidential/Stamps are the most well-known of the big ones and the most competitive. I know the alumni ones can range from $1K to $5K.
I would not necessarily discount the smaller scholarships. A $1K, $2K and $5K scholarship here and there can really add up. My DD applies to a group of private scholarships as well as the GT ones (through WIE, OIE or ME) every year. We have been fortunate that she receives a group of private scholarships that makes GT affordable for us. Like you we are full-pay OOS. Some of her private scholarships are engineering based through orgranizations like SWE, SME or ASME. Combined with her earnings from her internship this past summer, she has her GT costs covered for the upcoming semester. Also don’t forget that GT OOS pay in-state tuition for GT study abroad programs. This savings can be substantial even considering transportation costs. Plus the study abroad office has some additional scholarships and I know one of my DD’s friends received one for $4500 this past summer which really made his program affordable. Also starting during freshman year there may be fellowships which “act” like scholarships. Phillips66 scholars receive $3500 each year and it is renewable, plus I think they get an internship offer. My DD received one through a big company that was very beneficial. As I said earlier, you have to do your homework. Each year my DD and I do more research to see if there are other scholarship opportunites out there for her. For example if my DD becomes involved in a particular activity at Tech, I then look around to see if there are any scholarships related to that particular activity. I have found that many companies will give $$ to GT for sponsored scholarships so you will see announcements for the Shell Scholarship or the Ford Scholarship on a newsletter or GT website.
If you are OOS with a lot of need for financial aid, then GT may not necessarily be affordable for you. It has been my experience that GT mainly gives OOS large loans in their financial aid packages. Although my DD loves GT, I wouldn’t have her attend if she was graduating with over $50K in loans.
I hope I have answered your question.
@itsv Thank you so much for your answer. I some how missed it till now!.. Thank you again and Happy New Year to you!!! My DD will hear back EA decision soon. I am hoping she gets some of the scholarship offering…