<p>Hello all, I posted this originally on Wake Forest's page, but I thought I'd post it here for more opinions. For those that don't know, Wake is a test optional school. Also, to be considered for scholarships, all applications need to be sent in before Dec 1st. Thank you in advance! </p>
<p>I have a sort of complicated situation. I was born and raised by a low income family until I was removed and placed into foster care at the age of 13. When I was 15, I was adopted by a middle class family earning a little over 80 K a year; however, because they just received me, they did not have time to save any college funds, therefore I am on my own regarding financial aid.</p>
<p>Because I must put my current family's income, I do not think I can qualify for any need based aid, so I need as many scholarships as I can get. I have two questions. One: I know it's a long shot, but is there any hope for need based aid? Two: I have a 3.85 (4.69 weighted) GPA, am ranked 23 out of 584, will have taken 10 AP classes by graduation, and have solid ECs (see some of my previous posts for full report), but have poor test scores. I received a 29 on my ACT and a 1890 on my SAT. I will apply to Wake RD before December first to be considered for scholarships, but should I send in my test scores or will it hurt my chances? Furthermore, I want Wake to consider me for scholarships, but will my December 6th SAT subject scores be taken Iinto account?</p>
<p>Sorry this is wordy, but I just visited Wake and fell in love. I would love the chance to attend, but I need financial aid or it won't happen. Thank you all! </p>
<p>You will be considered independent for federal aid, having spent time in foster care since you were 13. However you will be considered a dependent student for need based aid. Sit with your family and run your numbers through the financial aid calculator to see whether wake is going to be affordable to your family.</p>
<p>Read through their various scholarships. You will see that some of them will need SAT scores</p>
<p><a href=“http://financialaid.wfu.edu/merit-based-scholarships/merit-based-scholarship-descriptions/”>http://financialaid.wfu.edu/merit-based-scholarships/merit-based-scholarship-descriptions/</a></p>
<p>What does your 1980 break out to (CR = Math) check the automatic scholarship stickie at the top of this forum</p>
<p>What state are you in? it may be better for you to apply to instate FAFSA only schools. Then only your income would count.</p>
<p>Thank you both for the responses! </p>
<p>@sybbie719 I received a 670 on CR, 530 on Math, 690 for writing. (I know they’re terrible). </p>
<p>And @mom2collegekids I’m in NC! So FAFSA would only consider my income and not my current family’s? </p>
<p>FAFSA would only use your income since you’re independent because you were in foster care.</p>
<p>HOWEVER…a school like Wake uses CSS Profile to determine their aid, and they will use your adoptive parents income.</p>
<p>So, that’s why you need to also apply to FAFSA only schools. Apply to some NC schools that only use FAFSA. I think UNC-CH uses CSS.</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids Ah, I didn’t know that. Haha this whole process is so confusing. Thank you so much–I really appreciate all your help! </p>