Scholarship Question Re: Family's Ability to Pay

Paying for College
1

<p>I'm not sure how to answer a scholarship prompt.</p>

<p>Here is my situation:
1) I am a NMSF.
2) My brother will be in his 4th year at a private elite college...full pay at $50K/year.
3) My mom will be retiring December 31, 2010 (her 2010 income will be used on the FAFSA)
3) We will have no financial need; for the 2010-2011 years, I estimate both my EFC and my brother's EFC to be above each of our COAs.
4) The school in question offers stackable scholarships and a near full-ride to NMF.<br>
5) The school also has a strong program in my major.</p>

<p>The prompt asks for information regarding: "Special circumstances that affect your family’s ability to fund your college expenses:" I have space for about 6 sentences for my answer.</p>

<p>Do I answer that we have no need and say nothing more? Will it even matter, given that the largest scholarship is assured? Will it reduce my chances of other merit-driven scholarships at this school (i.e., departmental, service)? </p>

<p>I am applying to this school specifically because of the scholarship, wanting to save my college fund for graduate work. I know it sounds selfish, but I'm trying to be practical.</p>

<p>Any advice on how to answer the prompt?</p>

2

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<p>The main question is whether or not any of the scholarships you’re interested in/qualify for have a need component or if they are strictly merit based. If not stated explicitly on their website, you should give the school a call and find out.</p>

<p>No reason to apologize for being practical, a very good plan IMO.</p>

3

<p>I agree with entomom.</p>

<p>You are wise to be practical. Your life later will thank you for it. And agree also that further scholarships may indeed have a need component, or not.</p>