Huge need for financial aid, good student, not sure where to start

Paying for College
21

<p>Excellent ACT scores! Congratulations!</p>

22

<p>The others have all given you some great advice. Absolutely get qualifed for Bright Futures and check out Questbridge. Get some colleges on your list that you know you’ll be able to afford and will take you. That means some local choices. Run your family financial numbers through a FAFSA estimator and see if you are PELL eligible, that there are no surprised there. Check out what your non custodial parent status is and if it can be an issue for PROFILE schools, see if you can get a waiver from your guidance counselor so that you are all set. </p>

<p>Once you have your sure shots in place, look at other options. Look at schools that guarantee to meet need or meet a high % of it and pick some of them for your list. Take a few chances. However, your scores are not way up there for you to be considered top grade in terms of the most selective schools. Did you make any National Merit cuts with your PSATs? Still give it a try. Just understand, that your focus should be on your best chances that will be affordable. Good luck and good for you that you are taking charge of this early.</p>

23

<p>Congrats!!!</p>

<p>You will need a good strategy for applications…applying to full need schools for reaches and applying to big merit schools for safeties (and some FL publics for BF and other merit). UMiami may also be a good choice as a safety that will give you lots of money.</p>

<p>What was your PSAT?</p>

<p>Did I miss what you plan on majoring in? And future career?</p>

24

<p>35 composite ACT is up there. You can’t do much better. Definitely use that score, rather than SAT --unless when you take the SAT you get much higher than before.</p>

<p>Won’t a 35 get this student a full-ride at some schools? Maybe University of Alabama? Anybody know?</p>

<p>GREAT GPA and GREAT ACT…</p>

25

<p>He’s into UF. Since OP said he was “stoked” about it I assume that is where he will attend.</p>

26

<p>As far as QuestBridge is concerned, you absolutely DON”T need to be “referred.” The information and application should be up on their website in late August or early September, I think. If you are chosen as a finalist, this program will give you application fee waivers for the many top colleges and universities associated with their program. Almost half of all applicants are chosen as finalists. Most other schools will grant you a waiver for their application fee if you request it, based on your income. The QuestBridge application is due early, so start working on it as soon as it becomes available. I got into a top school with fantastic financial aid through QuestBridge, a school I otherwise would have never thought of applying to. Of course, you’ll want to apply to other schools where your grades and test scores will guarantee merit aid.</p>

<p>As far as taking the SAT, unless your new score is equivalent to your 35 ACT, I wouldn’t send it to colleges, just send the ACT. I scored much better on the ACT and I wish I hadn’t sent both SAT and ACT scores as it was unnecessary and cost me extra money. I think all schools will take either. You will have to take some SAT subject tests to apply to many of the QuestBridge schools. In most cases, it’s best to take them right after you finish the related class. </p>

<p>You’ll fill out the FAFSA online after January 1, 2012. Have your parents do their taxes as early as possible so you’ll have all the information you need to fill it out. Then FAFSA will send the information to the schools you ask them to send it to. Check the website of each school you apply to carefully for their own financial aid requirements. Some will have their own additional financial aid application, some will have you fill out the CSS Profile (also done online and they may give you waivers for a certain number of schools based on your family’s income).</p>

<p>Try to get most of those community service hours required for Bright Futures out of the way in the summer. You’re going to be really busy when school starts.</p>

27

<p>Congrats! Does your school have a good GC you can talk to? Your 35 ACT should open up a lot of avenues to you. Even schools that wants dads data, if he isnt earning much and doesnt have a lot of assets, this may not be a big issue. I agree with the others, get your community service hours in, and check with GC whether you need any SAT subject tests/APs, etc.</p>

28

<p>There are plenty of schools that do not use the CSS PROFILE, but have their own financial aid forms that will ask about home equity, and a non-custodial parent’s financial information & assets. Do not assume that a school NOT on the CSS PROFILE’s list of 300 or so schools will not ask for a non-custodial parent’s information. Each’s school financial aid website should be checked out carefully to see what info is required. </p>

<p>Thanks for the update, OP, the ACT score is terrific! Best of luck to you in your college search!</p>

29

<p>To answer some of your questions:

This sounds interesting… what are some examples of full need schools and big merit schools?</p>

<p>UMiami is not a college I wouldn’t consider… it seems pretty nice from what I read, and they do have some good programs as well as a full-tuition scholarships with other hefty alternative institutional scholarships.</p>

<p>

Nothing extravagant… I think it was a 193 for my junior year. If I recall correctly, it went DOWN each year from freshman year onwards. Go figure. </p>

<p>

There are so many things I’d love to do, particular being a teacher (probably high school teacher) – <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1015931-if-your-son-daughter-wants-become-teacher.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1015931-if-your-son-daughter-wants-become-teacher.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>However, my interests in terms of academic subjects are pretty varied and I have a wide array of possible careers that appeal to me. Psychology and biology are my two most favorite subjects (I wanted to be a doctor since I was little, then I wanted to major in psychology, then I figured I’d be a psychiatrist, but now they each seem a little bland to me individually). A while back I went to the CollegeBoard website and made a list of majors that I’d be interested in after I read the basic description about each. Neuroscience really appealed to me at that point, and ever since it seems like a good blend of biology and psychology. The other day I was looking at UM’s programs and they have what seems to be a pretty decent neuroscience program ([Neuroscience</a> - Undergraduate](<a href=“http://www6.miami.edu/umbulletin/und/artsci/neuro.htm]Neuroscience”>http://www6.miami.edu/umbulletin/und/artsci/neuro.htm)) with both a psychobiology track and neurobiology track. I’d probably pick the psychobiology track and voila - I have a blend of psych and bio, things I find very interesting. Career-wise, I’m not sure where I’d go from there if I went this route.</p>

<p>One thing I really have my eyes on is the CIA Undergraduate Scholarship program (<a href=“https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/undergraduate-scholarship-program.html[/url]”>https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/undergraduate-scholarship-program.html&lt;/a&gt;). Law enforcement/criminology/criminal justice are other majors that I included on my list and they are jobs that I would definitely enjoy as well. CIA isn’t exactly law enforcement but it does seem like a good fit for me: a variety of opportunities for various talents and interests and high levels of intellect and challenge. I’m applying for this the day it’s open (Aug. 1).</p>

<p>So to answer your question – no, I do not have my mind set on anything, but I am narrowing down my interests and desires in order to have a workable list of possible paths. :)</p>

<p>

It seems like it…

[quote]
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR</p>

<p>An out-of-state first-time freshman student who meets the December 1st scholarship priority deadline, has a 32-36 ACT or 1400-1600 SAT score and at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will be selected as a Presidential Scholar and will receive the value of out-of-state tuition for four years.<a href=“%5Burl=http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/out_of_state.html]Out-of-State%20Scholarships%20-%20Undergraduate%20Scholarships%20-%20The%20University%20of%20Alabama[/url]”>/quote</a>
… but I’m not sure it’s that simple?</p>

<p>

UF has always been my #1 dream, but that was because I had some logical impediment that made me think nothing could be as good as it is. I’m starting to realize that there are plenty of other great universities and that I’ll get a quality education almost anywhere I go. FSU is creeping onto my radar and I’m really wanting to go visit.</p>

<p>Obviously, though, I don’t think I’ll have the luxury of being too picky considering financial aid is what will be dictating where I attend. :o</p>

<p>

Nope. :frowning: The guidance counselors at my school are terrible at best. They are unusually incompetent and almost like they seem to HATE helping the students. None of them seem to enjoy what they do, and they never go out of their way to help anybody. </p>

<p>Anyways, thank you all for your input and advice. It’s so reassuring to know that although my guidance office is a lost cause, there is still a chance for me. :p</p>

30

<p>The first thing any and everyone should do, in my opinion, is find out what money is available to you. Run some sample FAFSAs with numbers from your parents and see what comes up. Without actual numbers, it’s hard to say. Are you PELL eligible, and for how much? We know that you can borrow up to $5500 in Stafford. Make sure you get the BF money. I’ve seen kids mess up with these things by not meeting deadlines, leaving out some requirement and they are unforgiving with this stuff. </p>

<p>The state schools, FSU and UF do not guarantee to meet 100% of need. If you are PELL eligible, and get BF, those will be doable. If you get your apps in early to those schools, you are pretty much guaranteed admissions. Also include any local state schools to which you can commute. Also any state schools that interest you.</p>

<p>When you are covered in terms of certainties, you can then explore all the possibilities in the world. Though you think your GC is a lost cause, they are usually very well versed in getting kids into the state schools. They are most experienced at that. Also if your school has Naviance, you can see how your stats appear in terms of admissions to the more selective schools. </p>

<p>Both UNC and UVA look for low income kids with backgrounds that have challenges, and have high stats and gpas taking tough courses. The UVA dean posts on CC. You might want to shoot him a PM or email. Both schools have generous scholarships for kids in your situation.</p>

<p>I don’t know enough about Questbridge to make any comments about it other than for you to check it out. </p>

<p>As long as you are covered in terms of a school or schools that you can afford and like, you can then peruse to your heart’s desire and apply where ever. There are schools that meet 100% of need but with 3 parents, it’s tough to see how need will come out as they tend to look to the teeth fillings for resources in my experience. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

31

<p>

Something like this? <a href=“http://www.collegegold.com/download/efcworksheetdependent.pdf[/url]”>http://www.collegegold.com/download/efcworksheetdependent.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

The website says the max grant this year was $5500 (<a href=“https://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/PellGrants.jsp?tab=funding[/url]”>https://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/PellGrants.jsp?tab=funding&lt;/a&gt;). It does also mention that you can receive two consecutive grants in the same award year. I’m not sure how to determine for how much I’d be eligible, because it says eligibility is figured from the FAFSA.</p>

<p>When will the FAFSA for 2012-2013 freshman be up and available to complete online?</p>

<p>How do I go about determining what schools are “safeties, reaches and matches”? I’m not sure what those exactly mean, but I see them mentioned all the time on here. In my case, is a safety anything that I can pay for using scholarships, BF, and grants?</p>

<p>Thanks again everybody for all of your advice.</p>

32

<p>What schools do you know will probably take you? The community colleges, maybe some local state school, maybe the smaller state colleges, perhaps the state U. Which private schools in the area are ones that look like good bets for you? Start getting a guide to colleges, talking to others, your parents, your GC and get a list of schools where you are pretty sure to be admitted. Research cost and likelihood of getting some money out of them, and those are your base. Once you have that covered, you can start looking at schools that are catchier and chancier. Just make sure the schools you pick has your interests as part of their offerings, and can be affordable. With BF, you have some good in state possibilities. Just keep in mind that you should apply early to state school as many of them have rolling admissions and give out aid as they applications arrive. If you go by the deadlines, spots can be full and the money gone.</p>

33

<p>*Composite - 35
English - 35
Math - 33
Reading - 36
Science - 34
Writing - Not yet available</p>

<p>…And I’m taking the SAT again on May 7th.*</p>

<p>Awesome…that can make a world of difference. :)</p>

34

<p>

I printed the FAFSA formula form and was reading through the information before the actual form. It states that a dependent student qualifies for automatic zero EFC if: (1) anyone included in the parents’ household size received benefits from any of the designated means-tested Federal benefit programs: Food Stamp Program is included (which we currently receive). (2) The income of the student’s parents is $31,000 or less. I confirmed this with my step-dad… his income is just under $20,000.</p>

<p>Does knowing that my EFC is auto-zero make anything easier? What else should I be checking at this point?</p>

35

<p>*Won’t a 35 get this student a full-ride at some schools? Maybe University of Alabama? Anybody know? </p>

<p>It seems like it…
Quote:
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR</p>

<p>An out-of-state first-time freshman student who meets the December 1st scholarship priority deadline, has a 32-36 ACT or 1400-1600 SAT score and at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will be selected as a Presidential Scholar and will receive the value of out-of-state tuition for four years. *</p>

<p>Yes, you would get full tuition scholarship from Bama as long as you apply to the school and submit the scholarship app by Dec 1st.</p>

<p>It’s that easy.</p>

<p>It’s not unusual for Bama to stack another scholarship on top for that score. </p>

<p>It also sounds like you would qualify for full federal aid.</p>

<p>What is your major?</p>

36

<p>If the student receives an automatic zero, I believe assets don’t count and I believe the student’s earnings don’t count. I hope a financial aid officer comes by and verifies. </p>

<p>Checking? Aren’t you in the middle of AP exams? </p>

<p>SeekingUni, Your combination: gpa, ACT scores, class load, community service and overcoming obstacles could also get you into some top schools. You may want to apply to UF (is it rolling admissions so you find out pretty soon if you’re in?) and another school where you will almost definitely get in and then apply to some ‘dream’ schools-- like the ones on Questbridge. Give some good thought as to what kind of school you prefer: big university, lac, techy school, etc.</p>

37

<p>Make sure you check the SAT2 “subject” test requirements of any dream schools you plan to attend. Not all require them (and some waive them if you submit an ACT WITH WRITING, but not all). Looks like you did the writing test so that good.</p>

38

<p>

Really not sure yet… I posted my current trains of thought in post #29 (<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/12570578-post29.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/12570578-post29.html&lt;/a&gt;)</p>

<p>

I took my last one today. I’d like to spend a good portion of the rest of my junior year figuring things out because I have a feeling that when summer comes around, things may slow down both here on CC and in RL in terms of advising and guidance.</p>

<p>

That’s another thing I can’t figure out. I considered New College of Florida (several personal perks for its location such as family, etc.) but ultimately decided that LACs seem to have too limited of options. Since I’m not clear on a definitive path in terms of what I’m going to study, let alone what I’m going to be, I’d like to be able to waver in my studies if I need to.</p>

<p>The one thing that has me hesitant about UF is its size. I go to a huge high school and I just don’t like the disconnection with teachers or the idea of being just one amongst tens of thousands of students. My top two Florida choices are UF and FSU… FSU is said to be more of a welcoming, warm, “homey” feeling and nature-esque environment, which definitely appeals to me. But it seems that most people deem UF a better school in terms of academic prestige than FSU. Honestly, I think I’d get a lot out of either of them.</p>

<p>Since I’m not sure what I want, I am not an overly-picky person in things like this. College is going to be a new experience and I’m willing to try anything. I like adventure so I’m totally fine with things that are different and may even make me uncomfortable at first… I can learn my ways and make the best of it.</p>

<p>One question I have regarding some of the top schools (both Ivies and not-Ivies) is that I’ve read somewhere that since they are top schools, they’re more generous with aid… to the point that they will meet full need if you’re a desirable candidate in terms of academics. Is this true? Does this mean if I had the stats to match an Ivy league, or maybe something like Johns Hopkins or en elite like Stanford, they’d be likely to meet full need? To me, quality of education is of supreme importance, followed closely by atmosphere and environment.</p>

39

<p>Got my May SAT scores… really nothing ecstatic:</p>

<p>Reading stayed the same at 650
Math went up 30 to 670
Writing went up 200 to 800 (I don’t even know how…)</p>

<p>Guess the ACT is definitely the one for me.</p>

40

<p>@SeekingUni - regarding your last question from May 11th -</p>

<p>[Colleges</a> That Claim to Meet the Full Financial Needs of Students - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/02/18/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-the-full-financial-needs-of-students]Colleges”>http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/02/18/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-the-full-financial-needs-of-students)</p>

<p>you’ll need to focus on a mix of schools that:

  • meet full need but are difficult to get in</p>

<ul>
<li><p>offer guaranteed merit aid based on your stats</p></li>
<li><p>offer outstanding merit aid but are it’s a lottery as to whether or not you’ll get the scholarship (such as USC and UMiami with Singer and stamps Scholarships)</p></li>
</ul>