It's my understanding that need-based aid is virtually non-existent (except at HYS). In any case, with my parents' net-worth I don't expect to receive any. I plan to fill out FAFSA so that I can take out loans (since my parents won't be helping). Do I even both filling out the schools' supplemental need-based applications which require my parents information (and hence make it so I won't receive any)? Is it unusual to check the box that says you only want to be considered for merit scholarships?
Follow up question: Some schools require parent info on the FAFSA to determine need-based grants. If I'm going the merit-only route, do I still need to include my parents' info on the FAFSA?
Apply for need-based? Is merit-only a thing? Forum
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2017 2:50 pm
- cavalier1138
- Posts: 8007
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 8:01 pm
Re: Apply for need-based? Is merit-only a thing?
You can always pursue merit-only aid. And yes, assuming you meet the criteria, you will still need to include parental info on your FAFSA.
-
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2017 3:29 am
Re: Apply for need-based? Is merit-only a thing?
Actually, I think there are a number of schools beyond HYS that do need based aid. Columbia does for sure, and same with Berkeley and UCLA. I am pretty sure UVA does not, not sure about some of the others. I think beyond the top 20 no one does, except maybe some of the other UCs.
I think what's different about HYS is that they say they ONLY do need based. I think EVERYONE ELSE does merit based.
If you won't qualify in any event, then all this doesn't really matter, but merit only is definitely definitely a thing apart from HYS.
I think what's different about HYS is that they say they ONLY do need based. I think EVERYONE ELSE does merit based.
If you won't qualify in any event, then all this doesn't really matter, but merit only is definitely definitely a thing apart from HYS.
- cavalier1138
- Posts: 8007
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 8:01 pm
Re: Apply for need-based? Is merit-only a thing?
The OP wasn't asking about whether non-HYS schools offer need-based aid at all, but you're way off.lawboundsomeday wrote:Actually, I think there are a number of schools beyond HYS that do need based aid. Columbia does for sure, and same with Berkeley and UCLA. I am pretty sure UVA does not, not sure about some of the others. I think beyond the top 20 no one does, except maybe some of the other UCs.
I think what's different about HYS is that they say they ONLY do need based. I think EVERYONE ELSE does merit based.
If you won't qualify in any event, then all this doesn't really matter, but merit only is definitely definitely a thing apart from HYS.
Pretty much every school offers need-based aid. But the reality is that very few people actually qualify for it. So there's plenty of debate to be had about how effective these programs are, but they definitely aren't non-existent outside of HYS.
- Wild Card
- Posts: 988
- Joined: Fri Jan 17, 2014 6:48 pm
Re: Apply for need-based? Is merit-only a thing?
I got into N, P, M, and G, and the only one among them to offer me need-based aid was GULC--as in, on my award notice, there is a pinpoint breakdown of the award by merit and need.cavalier1138 wrote:The OP wasn't asking about whether non-HYS schools offer need-based aid at all, but you're way off.lawboundsomeday wrote:Actually, I think there are a number of schools beyond HYS that do need based aid. Columbia does for sure, and same with Berkeley and UCLA. I am pretty sure UVA does not, not sure about some of the others. I think beyond the top 20 no one does, except maybe some of the other UCs.
I think what's different about HYS is that they say they ONLY do need based. I think EVERYONE ELSE does merit based.
If you won't qualify in any event, then all this doesn't really matter, but merit only is definitely definitely a thing apart from HYS.
Pretty much every school offers need-based aid. But the reality is that very few people actually qualify for it. So there's plenty of debate to be had about how effective these programs are, but they definitely aren't non-existent outside of HYS.
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login