son is getting "express" applications...

jlauer95
Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:02:49 +0000

If money is an issue because you are low income, you may want to use an EFC calculator to find out how much your family would be expected to contribute to a school that guarantees to meet 100% of need. You may also want to look into those colleges who meet 100% of need with grants instead of loans. For instance, if your EFC (expected Family Contribution) is $5k per year, then a school that meets 100% of need is going to help with the balance. Again, you want to find such colleges that meet that need with grants, not a bunch of unaffordable loans.

If money is an issue for other reasons (not low income but can’t afford a high EFC) and your child needs to find colleges that give high merit scholarships. Right now, his stats may not be high enough. Composite ACTs of 32 usually can get big awards at some colleges.

Others are right about LACs needing boys. Who knows which ones would give merit money to a MALE with a 29 ACT???

One more important point! If money is an issue, you may want to reconsider sending him to a school that is so far away that you will have to provide airfare several times a year (T giving, Christmas, Spring Break, Summer home and Fall return). If your child is going to stay in a dorm, you will also have additional costs when you have to have this dorm things (computer, clothes, “stuff”, etc) transported back and forth at the end of each school year. Also, if you were to want to visit for the annual “Parents Weekend” you will also incur travel/hotel costs. There are additional expenses when kids go far away to school.

BTW… northeastern schools tend to be the worst at giving merit money. There are a tiny few who do, but most only give financial aid to those in need.