Parent makes <$20,000... how will I pay for college?!

<p>Cross posted from Fin. Aid forum:</p>

<p>I would be a first generation college student. I am raised by a single mom (if that makes a difference?).</p>

<p>In 2008, my mom made $16,000. My dad, whom I don't live with, is unemployed (construction). Even when he was employed, he made about $40,000, making both parents income under 60,000.</p>

<p>I have A's and B's in honors and AP classes. Never gotten a C. I have to babysit from 4-8 every night while my mom is at work so my extracurricular activities are limited. I am on the Debate Team and volunteered extensively for a political campaign. I remain active in local politics. I'm also Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper.</p>

<p>I'm very worried about college. I live in VA, so we have some great in-state schools (UVA, W&M etc.). Do you all think that I will receive significant aid from the in-state publics (if I can even get into those schools with B's.)? What about OOS? What do I do?!</p>

<p>You might want to check out schools that claim to meet full financial need of admitted students.</p>

<p>[Schools</a> That Say They Meet Full Need - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/paying-for-college/2008/09/05/schools-that-say-they-meet-full-need.html]Schools”>http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/paying-for-college/2008/09/05/schools-that-say-they-meet-full-need.html)</p>

<p>Many of the schools on the list are not need-blind, BTW. UVA meets the full need of all students and W&M meets full need for all Virginians. </p>

<p>[William</a> & Mary - Costs & Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/index.php]William”>Financial Aid | Admission & Aid | William & Mary)</p>

<p>Your family would probably have a low estimated family contribution at such schools, but you’d still be expected to contribute something from summer jobs, and at many schools, to take some loans. Good luck!</p>

<p>With an income that low, i think your EFC is liable to be 0. With that tight a budget, I’m guessing any added cost will be burdensome for you and your family. </p>

<p>With that much income, you definitely demonstrate need.</p>

<p>I’m sure for a solid student like yourself there will be financial aid available. Try this website:
[FinAid</a> | Calculators | Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Financial Aid](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator - Finaid)
to see how much aid you would qualify for and how much (if anything) your family would be expected to contribute.</p>

<p>You seem to have a focus in your ECs (debate, politics, etc.), and I do not think your ECs are limited. Are you taking care of your younger siblings so your mom can work and provide for your family? Make sure you mention it in your application materials. I’m sure adcoms are aware of such situations, and in their books that counts more than involvement in a HS sport or band.</p>

<p>You ABSOLUTELY must check out the QuestBridge program! It’s for kids just like you–high achievers with no money - :slight_smile: - and adverse circumstances. I don’t have the link handy–just type in Questbridge.org and you’ll get all the info you need. If you qualify, it’s a free ride for four years at an elite school (think Yale, Princeton, and the like). You have to be ready to work at it–lots of extra essay writing and other hoops to jump through, but if it all pans out, wow!</p>

<p>I agree with cadence76, Questbridge.org will help you. Are you AA, asian, hispanic or American Indian? If you are check out gmsp.org. That is the Bill Gates scholarship, it will meet all unmet need to ANY school you are admitted to, including a laptop and your work study paid for as well. There is money out there for students in your situation, you just need to look for it and then do the applications, which can be lengthy but well worth it. Good luck.</p>

<p>I was going to suggest Questbridge, also. The application is a lot of work and you have to make sure you meet all the deadlines, but if you’re organized, you can do it.</p>

<p>My nephew had very similar stats to yours and much the same story with the single mom and a biological dad who was out of the picture. Income was similar, too. He got a full ride to Vassar - something he never dreamed could happen! He thought he was doomed to community college because of costs but I told him about QB and it changed his life. You owe it to yourself to check it out!</p>

<p>The only problem I have with Questbridge (not with Questbridge, but my eligibility) is the B’s on my transcript.</p>

<p>Questbridge does not expect perfection - most high achieving students have some B’s on their transcripts. Make sure your GC checks the “most rigorous” box on the common application. I agree with other posters - if you are babysitting your siblings, that is an EC - and you’ve done more than a lot of other kids.</p>

<p>If I’m not mistaken, W&M offers 100% aid if family income is below $40,000, so you would qualify for that. Good luck.</p>