<p>UMD released finaid info about a week ago. I am very likely going to attend in the fall, but they gave me NOTHING in the form of financial aid, except loans, which aren’t really helpful. When my sister attended a few years ago, they gave her a few thousand dollars in aid. I feel like I’ve worked pretty hard and deserve some type of aid. Is aid not that common now?</p>
<p>From reading posts on here, it does seem to be somewhat random - I am NOT implying people who received scholarships didn’t deserve them. I AM surprised on some of the kids who did NOT receive scholarships. That being said, depending on your major, there are MANY outside scholarships available - especially for engineering. Check around for outside scholarships related to your major and you may be pleasantly surprised. An advantage to some of the outside scholarships is that oftentimes they send the money directly to you, not the university. This allows for lots more flexibility on how you use it (transportation, food, rent,…). Additionally, some of the outside scholarships help you to make a connection with a company that could lead to an internship. Good luck!</p>
<p>On your question about financial aid, your sister probably did received more in financial aid a few years ago. Before the recession, the limits on student loans from the government were higher. After the recession, however, the government lowered the limits to the amount someone can barrow per year. So if your sister went to maryland before or during the height of the recession, than she might have received more in loans. But that’s nothing to brag about.</p>
<p>Yeah, my dad was saying it probably has to do with the economy and sequester</p>
<p>Where did you see your financial aid? I was waiting for snail mail. it was posted online? Did you get an email?</p>
<p>Yeah they sent out an email. Subject Line: UM Financial Aid Status Update</p>
<p>If you sign in at:</p>
<p>[Office</a> of Student Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.financialaid.umd.edu%5DOffice”>http://www.financialaid.umd.edu) </p>
<p>you shoud be able to check out if they gave you anything. Click on “Check Your Financial Aid Status Online.”</p>
<p>Yep, what he ^ said. They sent an email.</p>