Hi! This will be my first post here on CC, but anyways, on to the topic…
My family makes enough money that we most likely will not qualify for any financial aid. But we’re also at that place where I need some scholarships to cover college costs.
- The average GPA for the college I want to attend is just above mine, but I have a year or two to change that.
- I've only taken the PSAT, but I did very well... I should be able to get a perfect score on the SAT. This is compared to the college's 75th percentile score of 2090.
*I am from out of state.
- I write well - admissions essay should be no problem
- I plan to email or call them afterwards to see if I can get more aid
- I have/will apply to scholarships needing separate applications/from different places
- I plan to live in a dorm, at least for the first year
Thank you! I’m super excited but also nervous for college 
What college is it? Many do not offer merit scholarships.
Why are you looking at an OOS school UNLESS it has guaranteed merit aid.
The PSAT you take in fall of your junior year is the one that matters for NM status. Have you taken that one?
Your goal needs to be to get a strong GPA, and stong SAT or ACT scores.
A couple of things to understand:
- Some colleges will NOT discuss or increase their merit awards once they are given.
- If you are applying to an OOS school, you will likely not get enough aid to cover the difference in cost between in and out of state costs. That OOS school needs to attend to the needs of its own residents first and foremost.
- Your GPA and SAT will need to be in the top 25% or higher for acceoted students to garner significant merit aid.
- Outside local scholarships are typically smaller in dollar amount..and are not renewable.
- If you need significant merit aid...apply where you have excellent or guaranteed chances of getting it.
- Read the links in this thread:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1678964-links-to-popular-threads-on-scholarships-and-lower-cost-colleges.html#latest
You will need to check to see if specific awards are still applicable when you apply.
- There are net price calculators on all college websites. Some ask for GPA and standardized test scores, and those might include an estimate of merit aid at those schools.
- Cast a VERY wide net. You may need to look at schools other than your too choices now to maximize your chances for merit aid.
You need to ask your parents how much they will pay each year.
If you want large merit, then you need to apply to the schools that give large merit for your stats. You seem to be assuming that your desired school will give you what you want. It may give you little or nothing…many schools give little or NO merit at all.
What is your major and career goal?
What OOS public university are you considering? Some are not generous at all with OOS students. Some are.