Any merit scholarships for a 3.5 kid?

chb088 · February 2018

He’s already applied to colleges and been accepted to several. All are similar price - in state public.

chb088 · February 2018

He does have $1k in the bank and should earn $2k this summer but was thinking he’d use that for incidentals. Trying to avoid taking out unsubsidized student loans. Our PTSA has scholarships but there’s only 7 of them so I was thinking they’d be hard to get since he’s not top 10%.

thumper1 · February 2018

We paid the interest annually on the unsubsidzed portion of the loans while,the kids were in college. It was NOT expensive to do so...and better than having the interest compound in terms of eventual payments.

So..we just subsidized those loans!

twoinanddone · February 2018

Interest doesn't compound on loans while you are in school. There is basically a one time compounding when you begin repayment (no way to get a payment on the entire amount owed without compounding at that time) but you could just pay all accrued interest after graduation too if you don't want it to compound.

3scoutsmom · February 2018

Look to your community for scholarships, your credit union, your electric company, your civic clubs, these are the places that will give the most for community service.

chercheur · February 2018

Apply for the PTSA scholarship and everything else you can. I know they are a pain to fill out, but you just may get lucky. Maybe have him attach a note (if allowed) detailing how much he will be working and taking loans, etc. but still has xxx amount of need. Also tell them you have not received any other scholarships. The top kids may have merit awards already and hopefully your PTSA looks for a variety of kids. Good luck!

thumper1 · February 2018

@twoinanddone no the interest doesn’t compound while you are in school...but paying it off annually, if possible, makes your end amount smaller.

Studious99 · February 2018

I’ve found that a lot of “community” scholarships found in the GC’s office cater to students with an interesting background and not-so-perfect grades. Talk to your GC, and see what you’re eligible to apply for.

chb088 · February 2018

Unfortunately due to our income he doesn’t look like he needs anything but we all know expected family contributions are a little ridiculous.

twoinanddone · February 2018

Most of the local scholarships in our area could only be used instate. I also found some near the college my daughter attends (for that county, or schools in a certain area).

thumper1 · February 2018

@chb088

Did your kiddo get subsidized loans? Those are based on financial need.

chb088 · February 2018

He’ll get $3500 in subsidized loans...that’s it for his first year. He’ll get $4500 second year and $5500 for his 3rd and 4th years.

mommdc · February 2018

If he gets outside scholarships you will need to report them to the school, and if his need decreases, the amount of subsidized loan might also decrease.

chb088 · February 2018

No worries since the university won’t be giving him anything anyway.

thumper1 · February 2018

@chb088

The university isn’t giving him anything...but you say he will get subsidized loans, and work study.

@mommdc is correct...if your need decreases because of outside scholarships, portions of your aid could decrease. His subsidized loan amount could decrease...and work study amount as well.

Any merit scholarships for a 3.5 kid?

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