<p>Re: comparing packages and scholarships.</p>
<p>there’s no way to know if some of these schools will offer you scholarships for a couple of reasons…we don’t know your stats (you need high stats for scholarships - high GPA & high SAT or ACT). Since you’re taking the SAT in June, it would be a good idea for you to get a practice book and do some test sections for practice. Also, sign up for the ACT…some do better on that (and get a practice book for that, too).</p>
<p>Also…UT-Austin has been moving away from giving merit scholarships…so if you need a merit scholarship to help with college costs, UT may not work for you.</p>
<p>As for comparing financial packages. Your family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be based on their income/assets. It’s not based on what your family “thinks” it can affford, and consumer debt and mortgages aren’t considered. So, you need to find out what your family’s likely EFC will be. Use this simple EFC calculator to get an idea<br>
[FinAid</a> | Calculators | Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.finaid.org/calculators/finaidestimate.phtml]FinAid”>http://www.finaid.org/calculators/finaidestimate.phtml)</p>
<p>Your EFC will determine whether you qualify for any free federal money (for lowish incomes). Your EFC is NOT the minimum that your family will be expected to pay since most schools cannot meet need - since most schools do not have much money to give away. I don’t know if Texas also has grants for lowish income families. </p>
<p>Lastly, you need to ask your parents how much they can contribute each year to your education. If it’s much less than your EFC, then you’ll need to look for schools that will give you big merit scholarships for high stats.</p>