Can I Get A Free Ride Anywhere?

genevieve961 · 07-02-2009, 07:39 PM

Family Income: $20,000

Location: Syracuse, NY
Grade: Incoming 12th Grade
School Type: College Prep
GPA: 94/100
SAT: 2360/2400
SAT Subject: 800 US History
ACT: 35
APs: All three AP's got a 5 on it.

EC's
Co-founder of Anime Club
Founder and President of Academic Trivia Club
Political Debate Club
Vice President of History Club

Total of 240+ hours of community service in these:
Lasaillian Youth
Peer Ministry
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Camp Sunshine

Jobs:
Recently just got a job at McDonalds at night on the weekends.

I want to go to Colgate, UVA, or a school nearby. With that income, my parents can't really pay for college. They could co sign a loan, but in the end, I would probably have to pay for the whole thing after graduation.

jellxtoxthexo · 07-02-2009, 07:46 PM

You could probably get a solid chunk of merit aid from any school that offers it, and then need aid will cover everything else most likely.

thumper1 · 07-02-2009, 08:07 PM

Apply for the McNair Scholarship at U of South Carolina. I think you would be in the ball park for it with those SAT scores anyway. The application which is their Honors College application...is a humdinger...but it's well worth it if you are selected.

sports_guy_5 · 07-02-2009, 08:45 PM

i know it's a stretch, but maybe you could look into the Jefferson Scholarship at UVA. they give ~35 full rides each year.

Jefferson Scholars Foundation

adchen124 · 07-02-2009, 09:34 PM

rutgers. definetly

schoolmom · 07-02-2009, 09:43 PM

Have you heard of the Questbridge scholarship program? It sounds like you would definitely be eligible for that. I don't know alot about it but I do know there are several threads regarding it probably on the financial aid forum. Good luck.

genevieve961 · 07-02-2009, 09:53 PM

To sportsguy, apparently, I am not eligible for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation Scholarship. My school is not part of the program and we are not even close to the cities partcipating.

Youdon'tsay · 07-02-2009, 10:43 PM

Questbridge all the way.

sports_guy_5 · 07-03-2009, 10:35 AM

genevieve961, you don't have to be in the regions to participate.

"Additionally, with the cooperation of the University's Office of Admission, all applicants to the University who attended secondary schools outside the geographical regions, applicants to the Schools of Nursing, Architecture, Enginneering, and all international applicants were screened as potential Jefferson Scholar candidates. In 2008-2009 the Jefferson Scholars Foundation invited 5 of these additional candidates to the national competition."

you would be chosen as an at-large candidate from the pool of applicants upon sending in your application. they would notify you in march, most likely, to tell you that you made it to finalist weekend.

TheMan777 · 07-03-2009, 04:07 PM

Co-founder of Anime Club <----- that has got to be the coolest club I ever seen. What do u guys do there?! =P

Back to your question, state schools will give you a lot of aid and perhaps you may even get a scholarship! I know at Rutgers you will definitely get at least 10k and perhaps a full ride as someone stated before. Basically these guys care most about SAT, which you have aced, I know someone who didn't even technically graduate and failed classes who got a 10k scholarship for the pharmacy department.

Apply to a SUNY and Rutgers. Im fairly sure that you will be smiling at the financial package.

applicannot · 07-03-2009, 04:58 PM

You're basically guaranteed a fill ride if you get into any 100% need, no loans schools.

patsmom · 07-03-2009, 07:32 PM

Genevieve, please look into Questbridge QuestBridge National College Match Program. You have the stats and the income level to qualify. QuestBridge Home Page Click that link and view the list of participating colleges and universities on the right side of the page.

The application process is a little different and requires more essays, but the payoff is worth it. My nephew got a full ride to Vassar last year through QB. There's no way he could have afforded anything more than community college without this program. It's amazing.

scottaa · 07-03-2009, 11:25 PM

Oh boy... those numbers look good. OP, you are in fantastic shape for some full rides. Don't limit yourself to just the few schools you mention however. You could have several full rides to choose from if you play your cards right.

I had one student I worked with this year who had four full rides to choose from. I'd bet you dollars to donuts, you can wind up with at least that.

thumper1 · 07-04-2009, 09:16 AM

Look for threads here from getouttabuffalo. That student got great financial aid at some terrific schools. I believe he/she is at UNC-Chapel Hill on the Pogue. Also got the McNair and at least one other.

And search for Momfromtexas.

sk8rmom · 07-04-2009, 10:10 AM

Here's a link to the "bottom line cost by family income" for schools that have made no/low loan pledges:
Project on Student Debt: What's the Bottom Line?

Please, please make sure you apply to at least one SUNY - Geneseo is the first that comes to mind for you. I'm 99% sure they will meet your full need. Buffao might be another good choice - they are very generous with low EFC kids and have alot of perks and choices for bright kids like you.

If, for some reason, you decide to stay in Syracuse, LeMoyne has offerred great merit and need based aid.