<p>So my parents aren't able to contribute a lot for my tuition, and are relying heavily on me getting very high merit aid or a full ride from the colleges/unis. I really don't know where I stand with my chances of getting that, so if anybody could maybe tell me if its a good possibility, I'd appreciate it. I'm a high school senior in PA, uw GPA of 4.08, class ranked 2, 5 on all my AP's, taken the highest classes offered in every subject, SAT score of 2100, over 100 hours of community service, active member of 3 clubs my entire high school and have started my own club. Does this seem like it would qualify me for full rides?
Thanks a lot for any feedback.</p>
<p>It is always hard to say about full rides because of the current economic situation. if you’re parents don’t make a lot, you might be able to get a lot of financial aid, but getting a full ride? it is hard. </p>
<p>idk if your stats are enough, but try your best!</p>
<p>Full rides: As far as I know, most people who get full rides are receiving them for financial reasons. If you EFC is low, then you may be able to cover some of the rest using merit scholarships, but I think that most places lower need-based scholarships if you’re geting more money elsewhere. If you’re dead-set on getting a full ride (rather than getting a job to cover loans while you’re at school), you probably should look at more safety schools, especially ones that give generous financial aid. Also, PA has a bunch of very good public schools with low tuition in the first place, such as Temple and Pitt. You may be able to get a full ride at one of them.</p>
<p>Addressing the OPs question: No. There are very few schools that offer “Full Rides”. Full rides in this case means tuition AND room and board. There are, however, many schools where you might get tuition paid for and have to just come up with room and board. Look at the sticky for good merit aid schools at the top of this forum.</p>
<p>You could apply for the McNair Scholarship at U of South Carolina. It is a full ride (tuition/room/board/laptop). Your application to the school needs to be sent in early and the honors college application (which I believe is also used for this scholarship) is due at the very beginning of December.</p>
<p>You should check for threads by getouttabuffalo (I think that’s the screenname). That student applied for and got several full rides. Also, look for the threads from momfromtexas. Your stats are much higher than at least one of her kids and she found excellent financial aid (merit based…not need based) at some schools.</p>
<p>It’s not impossible to get a full ride, but you have to really look at the schools carefully. Find places where you are at the tippy top of the accepted student pool.</p>