Can those of you who've either been notified of a scholarship award or received your financial aid package please share some of that information? Here is my situation: I called the financial aid ofice today to inquire about my financial aid package esp. to find out whether I'm getting a scholarship. I was told that I'm getting $2000 scholarship-- yes, only $2000 for an OOS student with tuition ~ $41,000.
I'm very dissappointed because I've been offered a full tuition scholarship at another school (Univ. of Kansas) but VCU is where I want to go. I know some current out-of-state VCU med students who got a scholarship amount that reduced their tuition to in-state and was really hoping to get the same. The lady I spoke with says that I'm not eligible for need-based aid and I can't seem to understand why. Although I rightfully claimed independent status, I was required to provide my parents information on FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid, and also had to complete the detailed need assess application.
But my parents combined income from last year's tax return was only ~ $65,000. My income was ~ $15,000 (started working mid-year) and EFC $2990. I don't know what else goes into determining need or what income level is eligible but my family is certainly not rich. I remember that need assess application asked about the original cost of my parent's home ($165,000) and current value ($250,000) but I don't think they expect them to sell their home to put me through med school. They also asked about their retirement account ($75,000) but I can't fathom why these values would adversely affect my need eligiblility because they're not immediately available and not mine anyways.
I'm just venting a bit right now cos' its demoralizing thinking that I'll be turning down a full-tuition ride to go to my top school with only $2000 scholarship money. Those of you who have received scholarship offers from VCU, if you don't mind, could you state:
1. how much you got
2. if it's merit or need-based
3. if you're in-state or out-of-state
4. your EFC
5. parents or your income level (I understand if you don't want to)
You can PM me if you'd prefer.
I know I'm not entitled to a scholarship but I was hoping to get more than $2000, at least $10,000. The sad part is that I'm still going to VCU because I love the school/location much better than Univ. of Kansas, but of course that comes with significantly more debt. Btw, I had earlier disclosed my scholarship award at Kansas and was told that while they certainly can't match Kansas because they don't give out full-rides, I will get some amount of money. I was counting more on need-based than merit-based but didn't expect it to be this small. Anyways, I'm in the same boat as thousands of med students who fund their education primarily with loans, so I guess I should at least be happy for getting in and stop complaining.
jk, you will soon find out I am the last person to seriously pose this question...
