Important GS Financial Aid Question!!!!

<p>Hi,
So I know that GS' funding is different from the regular undergrad school and that it is merit-based not need-based. However, I am wondering if GS ever makes exceptions and offers need based scholarships. I am much younger than the avg. applicant... just turned 20. I still live with my mom and am not financially independent. Neither of my parents can afford to contribute to funding my time at GS (if I get in), so there is really no way I could go unless I am willing to go almost 200k$ into debt, which I am not!!
Any advice, any experience with this matter... PLEASE let me know!
Thanks!!
Adrienne</p>

<p>Short version: there’s very little chance you’ll get the aid you want. As the head of GS, Dean Awn, says, GS is is expensive and inconvenient. </p>

<p>GS does consider need in giving awards, but only as one small factor (say they’re deciding between two students, one who will get $7k and the other $8k, they’re more likely to give the extra grand to the more needy student). It’s unlikely that you’ll get more than ~$8k/year to start (and probably not more than $20k/year at the end. Some students do get substantially more aid, but they’re few and far between. You can certainly apply and see what offer you get, but hopefully this sets your expectations. </p>

<p>Good luck, at GS or elsewhere.</p>

<p>Sorry to ride on this thread. I am applying for financial aid now and am filling up my planned enrollment form. I am unsure on how many credits to take for fall 12 and spring 13. Could anyone advise me on this? Thanks in advance :)</p>

<p>Full time students typically take 12 their first semester (corresponding to 4 classes). Then 12 or 15 the second semester (4 or 5 classes).</p>

<p>Most classes are 3 credits. Language classes, some science classes, a few other classes are 4 credits. Non-latin languages (eg chinese) are 5 credits. You can find out in the directory of classes.</p>