God, I want to go to Macalester so badly.
I’m applying soon, and I think I’ll get accepted, but I would need the full merit scholarship to be able to go. My divorced father, who still tries to talk to me, refuses to contribute any money for college, but Mac still uses his income when determining need-based aid. He makes 300k/year, but says that my mom (who makes 50k/year) should pay for my college because I live with her. He doesn’t help us out with anything except for the required child support. Because I still have contact with my dad, I can’t get a waiver for the CSS Profile, but my dad refuses to fill out this form or pay anything. Anyone know any loopholes for this sort of situation?
Also, how many people get the highest merit scholarship? I have all As, perfect SAT score, good ECs (mostly band though), but I don’t know if it’s enough.
Last year, the highest merit for US based applicants was 20K annually. Full COA was between 60-65K.
Private schools, and any school that requires the CSS Profile will take into account your Fathers income even if they do not require a NCP Profile form, they will have a separate form.
So you have a few options:
1 - Your mom will have to pay for your education by taking out loans, plus you will also have to take out loans.
2 - Maybe your dad is willing to pay something, and long as you and your mom are willing to pay most of it. Maybe you can convince him to pay at least the equivalent of what he was paying in child support.
3 - Maybe you get a merit scholarship, which makes this a little easier, but still hard if highest merit is only 20K
4 - Accept that you need to go to a fafsa only school in your state (University of Texas or some State school), make sure to at least apply to some of these to have a backup plan. FAFSA only schools will ignore your fathers income.