Who qualifies for full-tuition scholarships?Answered
I have a friend of mine who I found out got a full-tuition ride to two schools. I coincidentally applied to the same schools, but only got 1/2 tuition. I know for a fact that I have a higher rank and GPA than her (4.0 and #6 in my class), as well as taking the same level, if not more, rigorous classes than her. I don't even see on either school's website a way to receive full tuition. Neither of our FAFSA's was included in this. The only difference is our backgrounds— she would be considered Hispanic, while I would not be. Does anyone know why she would have gotten full tuition, and I didn't? I really want to go to the one school, but quite literally can't afford to go unless I'm offered a full ride, which is why I'm asking. ˇThank you!! :)
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3 answers
There's a lot to scholarships. The schools you apply to likely has multiple different types of scholarships in different categories. While your course load and grades may factor highly, extracurriculars, test scores, included essays, financial need, and many background categories would also be considered. You mentioned that she would be considered Hispanic while you wouldn't be, this could have an impact depending on the demographics of the school, and if both of you have otherwise virtually identical applications it could have tipped the scale.
Different scholarship programs put a different amount of weight to the categories, so it's hard to tell what exactly got her the full-ride. If you want to look into it more try to look into the school-specific scholarship programs for the school, they likely do not have a scholarship specifically categorized as "full-ride" but rather scholarship categories than can provide a range of financial aid.
There are so many factors that go into this. Is she first-generation? What is her major? The big schools have students fighting to get into STEM but if she was maybe an Education Major the percentages change. Different majors also offer different scholarships. I would have to say schools are trying to be more diverse so being Hispanic may have helped but I don't know if it would have tipped the scales that far at two schools. I was listening to a webinar from an admission officer and it really depends on how they view your application; it can be a million little things that make them want you on their campus. Pay attention to details and make yourself stand out. Maybe there was a way she did that and they wanted her more. Its hard to tell.
There may be another financial aid option aside from FAFSA that your friend may have gotten a full ride through. I think being Hispanic definitely makes some impact, and she may have had slightly better essays. What I would do is respond back to their offer and ask for a full-ride because you can't go without it (show with proof), but make sure you can actually do that as I'm not sure every school can.
Hope that helps!
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