What are some good scholarships to apply to help pay for high school (private or boarding)? For example, I’m aware of the Caroline Bradley scholarship. Are there other similar scholarships (either full or partial financial help)? TIA.
Take a look at A Better Chance. I don’t know the ins and outside of it, but the kids in the program get placed well (with FA.)
The The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program is another option
This is a bit late, but as an ABC candidate, I just want to tell you that A Better Chance doesn’t give out scholarships or financial aid. They are great resources for helping minority kids get into school though, so if your kid is eligible, I encourage you to apply!
@gardenstategal A Better Chance actually isn’t responsible for getting their Scholars FA, it’s just that most kids who apply via ABC need a sizable amount
@sonatarhia at most schools, you can get FA of your own merit. I don’t know if you want more than that or not, however…
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@TheHappinessFund is correct. ABC works with partner schools that generally “reserve” FA for them. But technically, the money doesn’t come from them.
Like colleges much of the money comes from schools directly. The two big outside scholarships are Caroline D. Bradley (merit only) and Jack Kent Cooke (merit and need). Both have application deadlines in the spring of 7th grade, then they help with the application process in fall of 8th grade as well as helping with funding.
Thanks for all the replies! I just checked out the ABC program - I was aware of it before, and had assumed that it was only eligible for NYC residents. We live in MA, so I just assumed we were not eligible. However, I just checked out the ABC website, and there’s no residency requirement. It’s open to everyone?
@TheHappinessFund - do you have any advice for tips for applying? My son is currently in 6th and we’re planning to apply in Feb (so for 9th grade entry). Any tips on what we should focus on, study / prep, and how to work the application? TIA!
@sonatarhia I’m not completely sure, but I think people apply to ABC in 7th grade. Not completely sure though, you might want to check the website.
For advice, ABC accepts most kids that have good grades and look like they made a decent effort on the app. I’m sure it’s more competitive on the east coast, but the cohort I’m in isn’t super challenging to gain admission to (west coast, CA area). I’d make sure that your son has all A’s throughout 7th grade. That’s pretty much the only thing you have to do before applying, though. He’ll also need a teacher rec, so make sure he builds good relationships with his teachers.
There is a diagnostic SSAT that your son’ll have to take, but I don’t think that’s a huge deciding factor. They tell you that you don’t have to prep for it, as it is a diagnostic, but if your son wants to, I’d say go right ahead!
When it comes to applying for ABC, I actually applied right before the due date. As long as you get it in on time and follow all the instructions, it should be fine.
Don’t worry too much about it. I’m sure your son is competent and will make it in.
As ABC always says: Trust the process!