I’m looking for some recommendations of schools that we should consider or how we should approach the application process. We live in Virginia, and my daughter would prefer schools that are in the mid-Atlantic or southeast part of the country, though she will consider other areas as well. We have somewhat unusual circumstances in that I am divorced, and my ex will not assist in filling out the CSS or in contributing to college, which limits financial aid options. On the other hand, my daughter got a 35 on the ACT, so maybe we have a shot at merit scholarships. She has taken all the AP/dual enrollment classes she can. She had straight As until last year, when classes were remote and kind of erratic because of Covid, and she ended up with a B and a C in two of her classes. I think her GPA is around 4.4 weighted and 3.8 or 3.9 unweighted.
Her only requirement is that the school have a strong science program, well-equipped labs, preferably some research opportunities. She is not interested in a party school or sororities or anything like that. I want her to go to a school where freshmen get actual professors instead of grad students and small classes instead of giant lecture halls or, worse, online classes because there’s no room in the real classes (looking at you, Va Tech…).
I can afford UVa tuition, but would need assistance for private or OOS schools. The smaller private schools in VA that I have looked at either seem weak on science or would want my ex’s financial info or both.
I would appreciate any suggestions! Thanks for the help.
I made her add it to the list. She seems to think W&M focuses on humanities rather than sciences, though I think she may be relying on reports from friends who went there rather than looking into it herself.
Apply to UVA, William & Mary, Virginia Tech . Maybe throw in JMU. Especially since your ex will not be contributing or filling out forms. Or chase merit outside of Virginia.
Sorry. Yes, I know. One of my kids went there! I was just more responding to her saying she could afford UVA instate tuition without the help of her ex husband. So, focusing on either instate options or looking for merit could be her best bet.
Actually, I think the finances piece is very important. Getting merit aid to bring down your annual college costs is the way for you to go, in my opinion. This does not take into account anyone’s income or assets.
My EFC was well over what school tuition cost a year. But I was still staring down the barrel of $40K a semester at W&L. And it’s frightening. $33K at American and $25K a semester at U of Miami - also frightening.
I just stroked a $3500 check for the first semester. Yes, College of Charleston doesn’t have the pedigree - but people act like paying $50 or $75K a year is - well, what we have to do.
If you find schools where your student as a higher profile than the school itself, you too can go for cheap!!!
@Maggie993 Seconding @Mwfan1921 's question about looking into the non-custodial parent waiver.
I’m also divorced, and while we did not need a waiver, I did see mention of the process to get one if needed. I empathize with your position and hope this is an option so you can expand your list of possibilities.
That said, UVA in state is a great option, if your D sees it as a fit. My D was accepted OOS but without aid (need based or Jefferson) the $70k price tag ruled it out for us. She’ll be down the road at W&L (on merit). She felt very drawn to VA colleges so she would consider your D very lucky with those instate options. But the grass is always greener… she wanted to go OOS from GA!
How would this family qualify for a non-custodial parent waiver? The non-custodial parent is paying Court ordered child support. Parent reports the other parent hasn’t seen the kid in five years or more. But I don’t think that is sufficient for a non-custodial parent waiver.
Apply and see. Some schools might consider this. Others might not.
