More fin. aid/grants through EDII or RD?

Colleges and Universities A-Z George Washington University
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<p>I would love to go to George Washington; I'd even say it's my top choice. The tuition worrys me very much, however, as I plan to attend law school afterwards and I don't want to live like a pauper for the first 10 years of my professional life because I have massive 40K-a-year debts to pay off.</p>

<p>It's also tricky because our EFC is higher than what my parents can actually contribute; my dad is a doctor but he's self employed and doesn't recieve any healthcare benefits, etc.</p>

<p>I switched to EDII because I was hesitant about my chances of getting in - my ECs and essays/reccomendations are good, my test scores are in range, but my GPA is low, but I'm thinking I should write to them and ask to be changed back to Reg. Decision because I was told by the admissions officer that I shouldn't do ED unless I was certain I can pay the full tuition price in a worse case, no need or merit based aid scenario.</p>

<p>I really really want to attend GWU, though, so I was speculatively wondering if one's chances for higher grants or scholarships or fin.aid (or even admittance) is higher under EDII or RD. </p>

<p>Or if students who DO attend GWU currently can tell me if they're having trouble with the high tuition and not enough grant money - does GWU work study pay off a good portion of the cost, and does it cut into your social life?</p>

<p>This is a really stressful decision for me, so I'd appreciate any advice. =(</p>

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<p>I am not a student, but I am applying and your situation is almost identical to mine. I have above range SAT scores, good essays, but only a mediocre GPA (3.5 UW). I am also "financially challenged" and I plan on attending law school. GWU is my first choice; however, and I decided to apply EDII. You will definitely stand a higher chance of being admitted EDII. The admit rate is 60% compared to the 37%-ish- for regular decision. I think applying ED might detrimentally affect your need-based aid though, since officials know you won't be able to compare offers. GWU is supposed to be need blind, so theoretically you should receive aid in accord with your financial situation. Personally, I am just hoping for the best. If I receive a substantial amount of loans though, I will still attend because GWU offers a rather unique scholarship. If you are able maintain a 3.7 GPA, they will offer half-tution. Ultimately, you can negate your ED contract for financial reasons and it is precedented (it's mentioned in another forum somewhere and on Student's Review).</p>

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<p>i'm a freshman in the Elliott school and i was in a similar situation last year. GW was also my top choice, but finances were a concern - I wanted to do early decision less as an avenue for boosting my chances of admission and more as a stress-relief mechanism (I don't think I could have waited until April!). </p>

<p>since the financial aid and admissions processes are distinct, I do not believe that ED or RD has an impact on need-based financial aid offers from the university. my family's EFC, while exorbitant (in the 40K per year range), still yielded us a surprisingly large offer from GW (about a 6K per year grant). so, anything is possible - even with ED. </p>

<p>however, in terms of merit based offers from GW, RD applicants will receive more. although I applied ED I with excellent stats (I was admitted to Georgetown EA as well, but, of course, withdrew upon hearing from GW), I didn't receive any merit-based money. GW does offer a great scholarship for students who didn't receive merit money upon entering (if you maintain a 3.8ish) - be advised though, I worked tirelessly for a 3.95 this semester so there isn't much room for slacking off. </p>

<p>ultimately, don't make any decisions that you feel will harm you in the long run. I chose to apply ED I in spite of financial concerns because, in my mind, going to GW was worth the fiscal risk. If I could go through the process all over again, I wouldn't change a thing - my first semester was remarkable in every way and completely worth the cost. the classes, professors, dorms, friends, peers, lifestyle, and opportunities at GW are truly unique, challenging, broadening, and world-class. </p>

<p>i don't have a work-study program, but i know many people who do and they still have plenty of time for socialization. I do, however, work at starbucks (this provides both spending money and free coffee...haha) for a few hours a week and i'm still able to balance friends and relaxation time with studying, etc. As long as you manage your time well, you'll be fine - but, unfortunately, I have no idea how much work-study programs pay. </p>

<p>good luck to you, though!</p>

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<p>just read the above post and to avoid any confusion - the required GPA for the presidential scholarship for continuing students is 3.7. </p>

<p>my mistake!</p>

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<p>wow guys, thanks a lot. I was almost on the verge of crying because I was afraid I was going to have to go somewhere else because I wouldn't be able to afford GWU, but the half scholarship actually makes me feel a lot better (if I can manage to keep that GPA.)</p>

<p>buffithemaster: you're saying I'd still be elgibile for the 3.7 gpa award even if I did recieve grant money as a freshman? the website says "currently are not receiving a merit scholarship", but it sounds like you're working for it even though you recieved a need based grant. My family's EFC is also around 40,000, which is such a joke because they can contribute 12 - 15 at most.</p>

<p>I also think my chances might be better with EDII now; while I'm in the threshold for admission, I don't know if I'm in the threshold for a Presidential Academic scholarship (esp. if they consider your high school gpa).</p>

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<p>yes, that is correct. I did receive a need-based scholarship, but since I did not receive a merit-based scholarship, I am still eligible for the continuing scholarship. and i do agree that your presidential scholarship chances are slim - i know a few presidential scholars and they had FABULOUS stats (national merit, valedictorians, blah blah). </p>

<p>best of luck!</p>