How do people usually handle scholarships?

<p>I might be getting a scholarship that pays like $20,000 for one university that I like, but it's not my first choice, and it's sort of the thing where states want to keep their best students confined to in-state universities. Do students usually go to places that give them practically free rides? Is it common for students to reject it and go to a university that doesn't give them a full ride? I guess this depends heavily on whether you are rich or not, but it doesn't even really have programs for what I might want to major in, so I'm not too sure.</p>

<p>Everyone is different. If you don't have money for school, it's kind of hard to turn your nose up at a full ride. If money isn't an issue, you can do whatever you want - it's a choice each family must make. There really is no "usual" - everyone is different.</p>

<p>My advice is to check this school out carefully. If you like it well enough to go to school there, keep it as a safety school. You can apply to some other schools & see how things work out. Once you have acceptances, scholarships, and financial aid award letters in hand, you can decide which is the best option for you to take.</p>