Private School, Financial Aid?

Paying for College
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I have an question I haven't seen mentioned on here. I really, really hated my local public high school. I mean, I loved elementary and middle, but attending my public high school was emotionally and mentally taxing on me. So I transferred out. I now work 15-30 hours a week to pay for an online private school by myself. My family is below the poverty line, so this is a choice I decided to make.</p>

<p>My question is... how is the financial aid office going to view my demonstrated need if it's seen that I attend a private school? Do I send them a supplement explaining my situation, or would that be the wrong thing to do? I.e., would they take that to mean that I can shoulder a lot of debt / put a lot of hours in at work study? I don't mind being on a work study program (I'd actually like to be) or anything like that, but part of me doesn't want the financial aid office to think that my family could somehow afford private school (and therefore tuition) and part of me is afraid to explain the same situation - I don't want them to think I somehow amassed a savings. I only get minimum wage!</p>

<p>What do you think?</p>

<p>Thanks,
applicannot</p>

2

<p>Well it depends on the schools that you are looking at acceptance into schools like Harvard, UChicago, Yale and schools with like Aid will mean that you will probably not have to pay much if anything at all. Most private colleges have amazing FA for people in your situation. Plus there are lots of outside aid that you can get. I'd say just look at the school and their FA policies. and most schools like when you explaing situations. Also if you have really good grades and test scores and are a Junior this year, look at Questbridge. It will give you a full ride to some the top schools in the country.
Hope this helps</p>