How do you go about paying the $50,000 price tag that goes along with some of the more elite academic schools? From what I've seen merit scholarships are spread out pretty sparsely.
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It is primarily dependent on your grades. Good grades and scores and there is lots of money.
Really? I have pretty good marks in both but I hear these awards only hover around 10K, still leaving about 40K to pay. I'm sorry if I sound ignorant but all of this financial aid information is hitting me hard at once.
7steps:
Research the 25th-75th percentile of SAT/ACT/GPA scores for accepted students of schools you are interested for academic/baseball. If you are in the 90-100th percentile of those scores (meaning that at those D3 schools, you are in the top 10%) you will qualify for great merit aid. If you are in the mid 60-80th percentile, you will let a bit of aid. In other words, you can using baseball as a means of getting you accepted if you are looking at a reach school academically. If you are looking for financial assistance, you will be better off looking at schools that are more of a foundation (used to be called safety) schools.
Research the 25th-75th percentile of SAT/ACT/GPA scores for accepted students of schools you are interested for academic/baseball. If you are in the 90-100th percentile of those scores (meaning that at those D3 schools, you are in the top 10%) you will qualify for great merit aid. If you are in the mid 60-80th percentile, you will let a bit of aid. In other words, you can using baseball as a means of getting you accepted if you are looking at a reach school academically. If you are looking for financial assistance, you will be better off looking at schools that are more of a foundation (used to be called safety) schools.
I'm around the 75th percentile, so I should be good in that regard. Thank you for that tidbit! I'm honestly not very aware on how merit aid is doled out.
I'm curious; can coaches have any sway in the financial aid office? I want to ask them forwardly but I'm afraid it's an inappropriate question.
I'm curious; can coaches have any sway in the financial aid office? I want to ask them forwardly but I'm afraid it's an inappropriate question.
7 steps:
I'm going to generalize here, so please don't shoot me for it. Generally, if you're looking at attending these schools and play ball, your financial situation is not in bad shape, which means you're above the financial aid level. If so, it just comes down to praying for a good scholarship at that school and doing everything in your power to apply for other scholarships.
I was fortunate enough to get a nice scholly from my school, but there are definitely teammates of mine who don't have merit schollys. Hope that helps.
I'm going to generalize here, so please don't shoot me for it. Generally, if you're looking at attending these schools and play ball, your financial situation is not in bad shape, which means you're above the financial aid level. If so, it just comes down to praying for a good scholarship at that school and doing everything in your power to apply for other scholarships.
I was fortunate enough to get a nice scholly from my school, but there are definitely teammates of mine who don't have merit schollys. Hope that helps.
At the school i go to (in the UAA, definitely prestigious) the coach has some sway and influence, especially if you're in Early Admission, but it ultimately comes up to what Financial Aid sees in you.
I'm really hoping that my scores are good enough to get a hefty merit scholarship. My family's income level is in that awkward zone where we don't qualify for financial aid but we can outright pay everything either. I never thought this part of the process would be the most stressful!
I'll try to ask the coach as politely as I can about the financial aid policy in regards to athletics.
Do ethnicity/demographics play any role in these things?
I'll try to ask the coach as politely as I can about the financial aid policy in regards to athletics.
Do ethnicity/demographics play any role in these things?
A friend's son is at a high end academic, very competitive baseball D3. The school is 50K+ a year. He's paying 17K. The kid was a top freshman recruit. He graduated high school in the top 10% of his class.
Good Question 7 steps..To our veterans, would you advise seeking help from a 3rd party ie college planning.net to help navigate this waters or just do the best you can in filling out all the forms. This is granted you have slim chances to get financial aid based on the net price calculator ( the EFC is pretty much close to the sticker price 
). Of course you will still need to fill out the CSS profile and some institutions have their on paperwork/private scholarships as well.
). Of course you will still need to fill out the CSS profile and some institutions have their on paperwork/private scholarships as well.
Hello 7:
You are getting good advice here. Your situation isn't unusual.
Are you a senior by the way?
If you are a senior, I suggest you have a backup plan that doesn't necessarily include baseball but offers an affordable option. With deadlines approaching, you don't want to miss that boat entirely.
Also be aware that for academic money consideration some colleges and universities have a priority deadline that is earlier, ie, December 1st.
If you really need the merit based financial help then the top tier (UAA and NESCAC) D3s are not going to fit the bill because they don't offer merit aid, and in general the aid policies don't have much room to help a family in that middle class 'pickle' you seem to be in. (Same deal in my house, too, by the way.)
Look at the D3 baseball web site for colleges where you WILL be in the top 10% (not top 25%) and the opportunity for merit will increase. Also look at the lower level and mid major D1s and D2s where your academics are top notch, and you may match up for merit and some athletic $$.
There are so many variables in all of this, of course.
There is a HSBBW poster (forget his name right now) at a D3 top college that DOES offer merit money, Rhodes. Look for comparable schools and see if you have the academic chops and the athletic talent to possible get a combo of both.
You are getting good advice here. Your situation isn't unusual.
Are you a senior by the way?
If you are a senior, I suggest you have a backup plan that doesn't necessarily include baseball but offers an affordable option. With deadlines approaching, you don't want to miss that boat entirely.
Also be aware that for academic money consideration some colleges and universities have a priority deadline that is earlier, ie, December 1st.
If you really need the merit based financial help then the top tier (UAA and NESCAC) D3s are not going to fit the bill because they don't offer merit aid, and in general the aid policies don't have much room to help a family in that middle class 'pickle' you seem to be in. (Same deal in my house, too, by the way.)
Look at the D3 baseball web site for colleges where you WILL be in the top 10% (not top 25%) and the opportunity for merit will increase. Also look at the lower level and mid major D1s and D2s where your academics are top notch, and you may match up for merit and some athletic $$.
There are so many variables in all of this, of course.
There is a HSBBW poster (forget his name right now) at a D3 top college that DOES offer merit money, Rhodes. Look for comparable schools and see if you have the academic chops and the athletic talent to possible get a combo of both.
7steps,
One thing that can get confused at times at the D3 level is the ability of the coaching staff to support admission as contrasted with the inability to influence financial aid decisions.
D3 coaches can support a recruit to admissions but certainly the final decision rests with admissions. A number of top recruits are not admitted at the top academic/athletic D3's.
On the financial aid side, while one poster suggests it happens, it is clear from the D3 by-laws and practice that coaches cannot influence or play a roll in financial aid decisions. The D3 message boards have a reference to recent NCAA action/sanctions against D3 members which violated those prohibitions. There is an NCAA release, which to my reading, suggests that separating athletic ability and financial aid decisions was/is a pivotal and critical aspect of the NCAA oversight and enforcement.
I certainly think you can ask the Coaching staff for their input on how financial aid works and whether they have thoughts on things you might do/chances of aid.
I know our son's former head coach was very clear he had no input or influence with financial aid decisions. All he knew was the end result and the potential positive or negative outcome on that recruit attending.
The poster BmomCEP is referencing at Rhodes is JPontiac. You might try to contact him if that would be a very good school/program of interest. BOF, has recent experience with merit aid. BOF's son has solid DI talent and skills and is now attending Trinity U, also a member of the SCAC.
Good luck to you in your efforts and decision making process.
One thing that can get confused at times at the D3 level is the ability of the coaching staff to support admission as contrasted with the inability to influence financial aid decisions.
D3 coaches can support a recruit to admissions but certainly the final decision rests with admissions. A number of top recruits are not admitted at the top academic/athletic D3's.
On the financial aid side, while one poster suggests it happens, it is clear from the D3 by-laws and practice that coaches cannot influence or play a roll in financial aid decisions. The D3 message boards have a reference to recent NCAA action/sanctions against D3 members which violated those prohibitions. There is an NCAA release, which to my reading, suggests that separating athletic ability and financial aid decisions was/is a pivotal and critical aspect of the NCAA oversight and enforcement.
I certainly think you can ask the Coaching staff for their input on how financial aid works and whether they have thoughts on things you might do/chances of aid.
I know our son's former head coach was very clear he had no input or influence with financial aid decisions. All he knew was the end result and the potential positive or negative outcome on that recruit attending.
The poster BmomCEP is referencing at Rhodes is JPontiac. You might try to contact him if that would be a very good school/program of interest. BOF, has recent experience with merit aid. BOF's son has solid DI talent and skills and is now attending Trinity U, also a member of the SCAC.
Good luck to you in your efforts and decision making process.
7Steps:
Wow, I'm amazed again with the quality and diversity of the advice available on this site. My son's situation is as RJM describes his friends son's. As infielddad describes, coaches can help you with admission. At the same time they can help you estimate what kind of financial assistance you are likely to get. Fill out everything, every scholarship application, apply to schools that are reaches academically and financially along with safe schools. Once all of your acceptances are in, you can evaluate the whole package a school has to offer; baseball, academic programs and financial aid. I would note that many of the top academic schools also have the largest endowments and can offer a high % of financial assistance.
Wow, I'm amazed again with the quality and diversity of the advice available on this site. My son's situation is as RJM describes his friends son's. As infielddad describes, coaches can help you with admission. At the same time they can help you estimate what kind of financial assistance you are likely to get. Fill out everything, every scholarship application, apply to schools that are reaches academically and financially along with safe schools. Once all of your acceptances are in, you can evaluate the whole package a school has to offer; baseball, academic programs and financial aid. I would note that many of the top academic schools also have the largest endowments and can offer a high % of financial assistance.
Not sure this has been anybody elses expierience, but remember the first financial package offer May not always the best or final offer.
Son applied and was accepted at all his top 6 choices.
We worked with adminissions and Financial aid at each of his final four and were able to get a better deal in each case.
In some cases it was only $1500 dollars better but in once case it was Substantially more. This was all based on his grades and profile.
Each school is different please check with each schools Financial Aide dept to determine there policy for a review.
In each case we also asked if he could qualify for the Honors programs at the schools. In two cases this allowed him to go to a testing day and based on the testing he recieved more scholarship money. At first glance he was right on the bubble but his GPA was just below. Asked them to review his GPA on year by year basis. His Freshman and first half of sophmore were average at best. Last half of Sophmore through senior were very good with honors and ap courses. They took that into consideration and put him in the honors based on that.
Hope this helps.
Son applied and was accepted at all his top 6 choices.
We worked with adminissions and Financial aid at each of his final four and were able to get a better deal in each case.
In some cases it was only $1500 dollars better but in once case it was Substantially more. This was all based on his grades and profile.
Each school is different please check with each schools Financial Aide dept to determine there policy for a review.
In each case we also asked if he could qualify for the Honors programs at the schools. In two cases this allowed him to go to a testing day and based on the testing he recieved more scholarship money. At first glance he was right on the bubble but his GPA was just below. Asked them to review his GPA on year by year basis. His Freshman and first half of sophmore were average at best. Last half of Sophmore through senior were very good with honors and ap courses. They took that into consideration and put him in the honors based on that.
Hope this helps.
My daughter attended a college very similar academically to Trinity (Tex). She received a 4 year, 50% scholarship (including room and board) purely on merit. Of course she was a very good student and a legacy. Apparently the college really wanted her to attend.
She also had an on campus job which paid $900/semester, and all she did was give tours to prospective students.
Some colleges have merit $. No doubt about it! We never even filled out a financial aid form.
She also had an on campus job which paid $900/semester, and all she did was give tours to prospective students.
Some colleges have merit $. No doubt about it! We never even filled out a financial aid form.
Try this link...
I think you will find it interesting...
http://www.usnews.com/educatio...e-merit-scholarships
From US News and World Report...University of Rochester explains its merit decision process
I think you will find it interesting...
http://www.usnews.com/educatio...e-merit-scholarships
From US News and World Report...University of Rochester explains its merit decision process
This is one of a series of topics covered by US News...scroll down to next post or previous post to look through them....
Nice link. Thanks for all of the advice you guys!
Nice link spectator..As a general question for those who have been there, after narrowing down your school search and ready to apply, I am curious as how you factor in Early Decision for 1 school ( not Action) vs Regular Decision to the rest.
Would the best packages be given if accepted Early Decision ? I have read several articles that does not recommend Early decision based on the fact that unless you are accepted and get a really competitive package, it is hard to re-negotiate and it is also binding ( Of course, you can always get out of it if there is really no way to pay for college w/o a good deal).
Also if you do non -binding applications ( Early Action and Regular Decision ) , at least you can compare offers and maybe a little easier to negotiate.
Perhaps,if it will be a reach school and may be a right academic and athletic fit, I see the value of an Early Decision.
Looking forward to your thoughts..
Would the best packages be given if accepted Early Decision ? I have read several articles that does not recommend Early decision based on the fact that unless you are accepted and get a really competitive package, it is hard to re-negotiate and it is also binding ( Of course, you can always get out of it if there is really no way to pay for college w/o a good deal).
Also if you do non -binding applications ( Early Action and Regular Decision ) , at least you can compare offers and maybe a little easier to negotiate.
Perhaps,if it will be a reach school and may be a right academic and athletic fit, I see the value of an Early Decision.
Looking forward to your thoughts..
As I understand it if you apply for early decision you are effectively telling the school that you will attend there if they admit you. Unless you have an idea on the financial package ahead of time I am not sure if this is in your best interest. However if the baseball program wants you and you want to go there and you also understand the financial picture then it makes sense.
As far as money the admittance councilor gave my son an idea on what he thought his merit award would be and it was exactly what he said it would be. In our case he applied after the cut off so our situation was different.
I think the best situation would be to apply to a number of schools that he is interested in that also have a match as far as baseball. It may get a little difficult since the baseball program may not want you. In the application process my son applied to schools that had not recruited him as a back up since he developed a little later and some programs were not interested initially and then showed interest later. Schools do come out during HS season (while they are playing also) and look at prospects, I know my son had several programs come out during his Sr. season to watch him. So if he applies, gets accepted and you get a good financial package you can contact the coach and let him know that you have interest in his program and that you have a good package from the school.
As far as money the admittance councilor gave my son an idea on what he thought his merit award would be and it was exactly what he said it would be. In our case he applied after the cut off so our situation was different.
I think the best situation would be to apply to a number of schools that he is interested in that also have a match as far as baseball. It may get a little difficult since the baseball program may not want you. In the application process my son applied to schools that had not recruited him as a back up since he developed a little later and some programs were not interested initially and then showed interest later. Schools do come out during HS season (while they are playing also) and look at prospects, I know my son had several programs come out during his Sr. season to watch him. So if he applies, gets accepted and you get a good financial package you can contact the coach and let him know that you have interest in his program and that you have a good package from the school.
Thanks BOF..This is very sound advice! 
While this is not exactly the rule, but generally speaking, the D3s in the Northeast give out somewhere between 0 and few merit scholarships, especially of significance. Other schools have made a habit of giving out quite a few merit scholarships to try to steal those middle-class students that don't stand to get much need aid.
My school, Rhodes College, is one of them. There are many. There was a thread on the website "collegeconfidential.com" message boards where posters were aggregating their knowledge of schools that are known to hand out merit-based scholarships.
My school, Rhodes College, is one of them. There are many. There was a thread on the website "collegeconfidential.com" message boards where posters were aggregating their knowledge of schools that are known to hand out merit-based scholarships.
quote:Originally posted by 7Steps:
How do you go about paying the $50,000 price tag that goes along with some of the more elite academic schools? From what I've seen merit scholarships are spread out pretty sparsely.
7Steps,
I wish I could give you a definite answer on how some of these schools dish out the aid but with 2 in college I am still baffled by the procedure. My youngest son who does play ball at a NESCAC school received a package that covers approximately 90% of his cost w/o loans. He received just about the same offers from Washington and Lee in VA., Haverford in PA., and Union College in NY. On the other hand Mary Washington in VA., the College of New Jersey, and Lafayette in PA. would of cost us about 20k more per year. They were all interested in him playing baseball so I do not think that played much of a factor.
I wish you the best of luck in your search and remember to finish up strong in your Sr. year as it does make a big difference.
Ken,
Is the 90% primarily merit based w/o federal based aid? That is pretty good. Also did your son do an early decision and rest are regular decision?
Thanks
Is the 90% primarily merit based w/o federal based aid? That is pretty good. Also did your son do an early decision and rest are regular decision?
Thanks
All regular decision, no federal aid. His hard work, grades, and test scores payed off. A good resource is collegeboard.com and look at average cost of need met. We are a family in NJ with a approx. household income of 130k.I will say he sacrificed improving on his baseball skills to better his chances on getting into college.
Thanks Ken. Good Luck to your son this year. I will sent you a PM when I get a chance.
Ken, thanks for sharing with such specifics. It shows that the NESCACs and the D3s with more money (W and L etc) are truly doing what they promise, funding more need based for the middle class. Good for them, and good for you for sharing.
Your post points out that some of those D3-no merit money schools might in fact be more affordable then we think.
Your post points out that some of those D3-no merit money schools might in fact be more affordable then we think.
quote:Originally posted by 7Steps:
How do you go about paying the $50,000 price tag that goes along with some of the more elite academic schools? From what I've seen merit scholarships are spread out pretty sparsely.
My son attended a D3 private university in Texas that is about $40,000/ yr. He ended up getting the maximum scholarship from the school ($16,000 / yr) plus because we look poor on paper ( 8 kids at home at the time & and one income) we were able to get federal grants to add up to another $20,000.00.
Personally I think saving up for college is a mistake as you will be penalized for ths when filling out the FAFSA. If your kid is good enough for college then he will make the ACT scores to get a full ride at least to a junior college.
My son had a 32 ACT score but the average at this private university was a 30 so there were plenty of students smart enough to receive scholarships. Our "poverty level" allowed us to score more money in grants.
quote:Personally I think saving up for college is a mistake as you will be penalized for ths when filling out the FAFSA.
I assume you don't really mean that. In the scenario you describe, it's not like there is much of a choice to make. If you have a choice as to if you do or don't want to save for college, you're not going to get a bunch (if any) grant money. Not saving for college and assuming the gov't will be there to take care of it for you isn't a wise move.
quote:Originally posted by Tx-Husker:quote:Personally I think saving up for college is a mistake as you will be penalized for ths when filling out the FAFSA.
I assume you don't really mean that. In the scenario you describe, it's not like there is much of a choice to make. If you have a choice as to if you do or don't want to save for college, you're not going to get a bunch (if any) grant money. Not saving for college and assuming the gov't will be there to take care of it for you isn't a wise move.
Well true. It does depend upon your financial situation and family size. If I had just one kid and was making over $100K/ yr starting at age 1 I could probably afford to send my kid through most colleges.
However it is true that junior colleges are fairly inexpensive and can offer as good as "education" as a D1 school. So for 2 years a kid can get an inexpensive education while learning to adapt to college life. The last 2 years at a D1 school would be more affordable.
My situation just simplied everything relating to college because 1) I couldn't afford to save much if anything toward my kids college 2) I looked very poor when filling out the FAFSA.
Regardless if you can have your child practice the ACT and score above a 30 there is usually a lot of money available especially at D2 schools. This is true, I believe, no matter how much money you are making.
However my 13 yr old son is going to be getting a full ride on a football scholarship at any D1 school of his choosing.
Tradosauras, seriously, somethings you should just keep to yourself. Pride in working the system for an education because you are "poor on paper" is one of them. I am seriously sick of paying my share and subsidizing the share of others as well and when someone essentially brags about it.
