<p>Heading to Vanderbilt myself, I’m a little biased, but I highly recommend you apply to Vanderbilt. Incredible school (Usually ranked around 30), and they guarantee to meet 100% of need-- here’s the kicker- WITHOUT loans. </p>
<p>As someone who was in a similar situation as you, I was accepted to 12 schools, and Vandy was a godsend. Not only was it the best school that I was accepted to, but they also gave me the best financial package.</p>
<p>I applied to Bama as well, as others have recommended to you. Even with their full tuition scholarship and an additional leadership scholarship, Vanderbilt ended up being a about the same price. Pretty crazy. I definitely recommend applying to Bama though. If anything, it’s a reallllly solid backup plan. You’re guaranteed that full tuition scholarship, and they have a really great honors program.</p>
<p>*I applied to Bama as well, as others have recommended to you. … I definitely recommend applying to Bama though. If anything, it’s a reallllly solid backup plan. You’re guaranteed that full tuition scholarship, and they have a really great honors program. *</p>
<p>I agree…it’s an easy back up to get. The school app and scholarship app are easy… You must apply by Dec 1st…but since the app goes online in July (and it’s quick to do), it’s best to do it then and have it in your back pocket.</p>
<p>If the student receives an automatic zero, I believe assets don’t count and I believe the student’s earnings don’t count.</p>
<p>Only at a FAFSA-only school. At schools that require CSS Profile…assets are considered. And, many that meet need will require his bio-dad’s info to consider aid. If his dad won’t give the info or he won’t contribute, that will be a problem.</p>
<p>I’d check out USC guaranteed to meet 100% of your need and has excellent endowment and very respectable school</p>
<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I have a bit of an update. I took the SAT again in May, my math score increased 30 points, my reading stayed the same, and writing went up to 800. Still mediocre scores, so I’m sticking with sending just my 35 ACT to colleges.</p>
<p>I intend to take some SAT subject tests this fall… I don’t think any of the schools I’m intending to apply to require them (except Stanford?), but I’d still like to do it.</p>
<p>I’ve come up with a list of schools that I intend to apply to:
University of Florida (highly desirable)
University of Miami (highly desirable, private, potentially good aid)
Florida State University (desirable)
University of Central Florida (possibility; depends on offer if any)
University of South Florida (serves only as a safety and last resort)</p>
<p>University of Alabama (semi-desirable, mostly because of their full-tuition award for my ACT score)
Georgetown (very desirable; claims to meet full need)
Penn State (very desirable; not sure what aid is like here)
Vanderbilt (very desirable; claims to meet full need)
Stanford (desirable; claims to meet full need)
Brown (desirable; claims to meet full need)
Columbia [still debating this one]</p>
<p>Any feedback on my list is certainly welcomed… including any other schools I should possibly consider, and schools I might be wasting my time with by applying. </p>
<p>Also, there is a bit of a change in financial situation as well. My grandmother passed away in March and apparently had some pretty steep stacks saved up and my non-custodial biological dad inherited quite a bit of dough. I know a good amount was made immediately available, but there is still a lot that has to mature before it can be acquired (not sure how it works, so I don’t know if I’m making any sense). He is currently out of work though. I’m sure that this is going to have a major hit on financial aid opportunities at the institutions where they ask for non-custodial parents’ financial info. =/</p>
<p>I’m not worried though as now, because of his acquisitions, he is fully capable of paying for an education for me (he’s even considering going back himself), which lifts a heavy burden from me. This does not go to say however, that I’m not going to continue to dedicate myself to finding the aid I can get.</p>