I am currently a UVA Posse Finalist. The Posse Scholarship is full-tuition (not full ride). Choosing to advance to finalist round means I will be required to apply Early Decision to UVA.
I have until today at 5 PM to call Posse and let them know my decision. I’ve spent the past week researching UVA and the Posse program, and I am unsure.
In terms of family finances, although my custodial parent income/assets are below 65k, my non-custodial parent is likely very wealthy. At expensive private colleges, my EFC is almost certainly very high, or even full. My non-custodial parent will not tell me their financial information, so I have not been able to run any NPC calculations.
The parent is unlikely to financially support me in any way except at my state school, UT Austin (I am top 7% at my school). Therefore outside of UChicago and Vanderbilt that do not consider non-custodial finances, Posse may be my only chance at a top school out of state.
Because Posse is only full-tuition and I probably will not qualify for need-based aid, I may need to take out loans for room and board at UVA (at least 10-15k a year). I believe I will be a decent fit at UVA, although it is really not my first choice as I prefer a big-city environment. I also do not feel I would be a good fit for the Posse program personally, as I don’t feel like the mentoring/intervention aspect would be of much further benefit to me.
Although Posse is not my top choice, I am concerned that my situation makes it too financially risky to turn down Posse. I have a full GPA and a 1570 SAT, so if I do not take Posse, I plan to apply for other merit-based scholarships such as the Robertson (Duke/UNC) and Jefferson Scholars (UVA). I also plan to apply Early Decision II at UChicago.
Can anyone provide some insight on their experiences regarding time commitments within the Posse scholarship? Also, has anyone successfully appealed their EFC as a Posse scholar? Thanks!
Students do not apply for the Jefferson Scholarship. To be considered, a student must be nominated by his/her school.
Thank you. I am aware of the process, and I do plan to proceed with the Jefferson Scholarship if nominated.
Take the Posse scholarship which is guaranteed .
Since UVA uses the CSS profile and non-custodial profile, if your dad is not willing to fill out the form your will get no aid.
If your dad is wealthy, you will get no aid.
Since the Posse is a sure thing, your chances are going to be small as far as getting a Jefferson Scholarship, because the pool is full of highly competitive applicants. Between whatever your mom can contribute, you taking the $5500 loan this year and an afterschool (start now)/summer job, you should be able to pull it off.
You know what they say about a bird in the hand…
take the bird in the hand
So you can definitely go to, and afford, UT Austin and UVA as a posse?
Between those two what would you prefer? Is it the same $?
“not much further benefit” is different from “i hate this”.
@sybbie719 Thank you. Half of all finalists will receive the scholarship, so I agree this is a very good opportunity at least at this stage, although it would potentially mean declining all other opportunities.
@OHMomof2 My noncustodial parent has the means to pay for UT Austin. They have indicated they are willing to pay, but I don’t believe can’t rely on that promise since it is a very volatile situation. If they choose not to support me, I will very likely not receive need-based aid at UT.
Due to their income, I will also very likely not receive need-based aid at UVA. This means, as a Posse scholar, I would need to pay for room/board/fees on my own (10-15k/year). Either way, I would incur some costs, although it would be much better than no help at all.
The biggest and perhaps the best part about Posse is that you are going to college with your own built in network of people where your role is going to be to support and be supportive of each other.
You will share the same experiences of being away from home for the first time for an extended period of time. You will understand the cultural shift of leaving Texas and going to school in VA.
Your Posse may not be and don’t have to be your best friends but the goal is that you are there for each other with the goal of “leaving no man behind” as you navigate your college years.
Follow you’re heart, the money always works itself out somehow. Good luck!