<p>OK, this may be a basic question but I tried using the search function but didn't find anything. Our schools guidance counselor warned us that if a private scholarship sends funds directly to the school that the school might deduct the amount from any scholarships they award the student, so it's basically a wash.
So my question is, does UMCP work this way or is it worthwhile to apply to all these private scholarships that send awards directly to the school?
Thanks for any advice.</p>
<p>It depends on several factors such as:</p>
<p>Do you have any need based aid?
Will the additional $ put you over COA?</p>
<p>I believe it is policy at any college that outside scholarships must be reported no matter how they are disbursed.</p>
<p>Unless the private scholarships put you over the COA, I don’t think UMD will lower the amount of any MERIT aid (unless you have B/K full scholarship.???) However, outside scholarships CAN lower the amount of financial aid/loan amounts that you are awarded from the Financial Aid office. (been there, done that). Agreed with plum, that regardless of how they are disbursed, they’ll need to be reported (to financial aid office, I believe).</p>
<p>OK, thank you very much. That makes sense.</p>