college educations = impossible to pay for :(

jamimom
Fri, 17 Dec 2004 08:50:03 +0000

Getting a “full ride” is very difficult. Even with top stats, as the system is holistic and does not just cream off the top profiles. There are often kids who get those special scholarships whose numbers are not necessarily the best.

What is your home state? I am assuming Texas, and that UT is a true safety for you. Though you may get some nice grants, they are not often in the big numbers you are hoping and many times they offset whatever financial aid you would get so that you cannot “double dip”. Many kids get shocked when this happens. It is really pretty rare that a school will keep a financial aid award as is, when the student also gets a merit scholarship.

I suggest that you get a high paying job for a few hours a week during winter/spring breaks. Something like bussing tables or waitering or anything that gives a nice per hour yield. I also suggest you bust your tail during the summer with a double job, and expect to work 10 hours or so a week in college. That can greatly offset the cost of college.

US financial aid methodology expects parents to pay what they can. So you need to discuss what they are able to pay and borrow, as your EFC will be coming out with a number that basically tells what their responsibilty is, given their financial situation.