<p>collegebound >>> See, that’s the problem. My first choice is Fordham, which costs about 50k, and they aren’t really known for having great financial aid. Right now, Fordham is way out of my price range, and I don’t forsee that changing anytime soon, so if I get admitted I’m looking at about 30-35k in loans (if I’m not awarded any scholarships). My financial safety is UMD: College Park (in-state), but if I am forced to go there, I know I won’t be happy. It’s hard to explain, but basically my whole high school career has been geared towards me going to college out-of-state. It would be severely depressing to have to spend another 2+ years here in MD, and most likely living at home. But then again, while I’m thoroughly in love with Fordham, going into that much debt scares me. Especially when I have plans of going to graduate school. I’m so confused!</p>
<p>My stats are 3.8 GPA(uw). SAT (1st time): 1980. Top 10%.
ACT, haven’t taken it yet, but I’ve been scoring 33ish on practice tests.
Parents usual income something like 120000, this year we’re bringing in half of that, 60k.</p>
<p>And I don’t think I’ve ever heard of “automatic scholarships”. I know Fordham has a Dean’s scholarship, which is something like 10k, but I’m not sure if it’s automatic.<<<</p>
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<p>Are you a junior or senior? If you are a senior, when will you be taking the ACT?? Many colleges won’t accept scores after Oct, Nov, or Dec, to determine scholarships (each school is different). My son’s school won’t consider ACT after October test, and SAT after November test, for scholarship consideration.</p>
<p>If your practice ACT is around 33, that is MUCH, MUCH higher than your SAT of 1980 (which is equivalent to about an ACT 29). So, hopefully you are scheduled to take the ACT this Saturday (if not, you may be able to do a “stand by” - which allows you to pay “on-site” if someone doesn’t show up" and take the test. Check the website for details or call ACT tomorrow and ask.)</p>
<p>Automatic merit scholarships are not “competitive” - that means that if your stats meet the specified req’ts and you meet all the deadlines, you will automatically be awarded the specified scholarship. Some schools give “automatic scholarships”, but not many.</p>