Heard it’s easier to get in schools like W&M if you indicate you aren’t seeking FA - still do FAFSA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it safe to assume that $250k+ HHI and a 6 figure 529 does not need to fill out fafsa?

it’s not “need to” but should because everyone who fills out a FAFSA is then entitled to the $5500 ( the amount increases sophomore, junior, senior years) annual loans. Your child has to sign the paperwork. I still remember when my DD said “Wait! I’m responsible for this?” Gives them teeth on the game. Both of our children graduated with about $25 to $28k in federal student loans, which you, as parents can pay off in the future. It gives your student skin in the game to know they are on the hook for something. We are doing the same at he graduate level (called Plus loans). Also both of our kids’ colleges would not talk to us about merit aid until we filled out the FAFSA. We just asked our CPA to do it.

Can you expand on this? Your kids have approx $28k in federal student loans that are subsidized (interest free until graduation?). And now they are slowly paying it off? That’s a great lesson… thanks.

yes, You file the FAFSA and the loan becomes available even if you don't qualify for financial aid. DD is paying hers off but got a reprieve due to covid (feds said no pay due to covid). Second child has his loans put off due to grad school. Both owe about $25K to $28K at a low interest rate. Keeps them on their toes and learn about financial responsibility. And should you as a parent decide to pay them off for them (or another relative offers), that can be done easily.

[Anonymous]

This is OP. We’re filling out FAFSA anyway because of other schools who want in no matter what but we don’t know if we should put W&M on the list of colleges that it asks for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it safe to assume that $250k+ HHI and a 6 figure 529 does not need to fill out fafsa?

it’s not “need to” but should because everyone who fills out a FAFSA is then entitled to the $5500 ( the amount increases sophomore, junior, senior years) annual loans. Your child has to sign the paperwork. I still remember when my DD said “Wait! I’m responsible for this?” Gives them teeth on the game. Both of our children graduated with about $25 to $28k in federal student loans, which you, as parents can pay off in the future. It gives your student skin in the game to know they are on the hook for something. We are doing the same at he graduate level (called Plus loans). Also both of our kids’ colleges would not talk to us about merit aid until we filled out the FAFSA. We just asked our CPA to do it.

Can you expand on this? Your kids have approx $28k in federal student loans that are subsidized (interest free until graduation?). And now they are slowly paying it off? That’s a great lesson… thanks.

yes, You file the FAFSA and the loan becomes available even if you don't qualify for financial aid. DD is paying hers off but got a reprieve due to covid (feds said no pay due to covid). Second child has his loans put off due to grad school. Both owe about $25K to $28K at a low interest rate. Keeps them on their toes and learn about financial responsibility. And should you as a parent decide to pay them off for them (or another relative offers), that can be done easily.

Thank you, so helpful. I like this!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it safe to assume that $250k+ HHI and a 6 figure 529 does not need to fill out fafsa?

it’s not “need to” but should because everyone who fills out a FAFSA is then entitled to the $5500 ( the amount increases sophomore, junior, senior years) annual loans. Your child has to sign the paperwork. I still remember when my DD said “Wait! I’m responsible for this?” Gives them teeth on the game. Both of our children graduated with about $25 to $28k in federal student loans, which you, as parents can pay off in the future. It gives your student skin in the game to know they are on the hook for something. We are doing the same at he graduate level (called Plus loans). Also both of our kids’ colleges would not talk to us about merit aid until we filled out the FAFSA. We just asked our CPA to do it.

I haven’t encountered any schools that require the FAFSA for merit. What schools require it?

GMU wouldn’t even talk to me without the FAFSA filled out

DC’s college counselor told him that he needed to have a FAFSA filled out if he wanted to be considered for merit aid at Vanderbilt. FWIW, I looked at the Vandy web site and that isn’t clear (or at least, I didn’t see it). IME, it can be hard to tell. If you’re not sure, and your counselor doesn’t have experience with a particular school, i would call or email the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is a reach for W&M? If my DS is full IB with almost all A grades and a 1530 SAT, is W&M a likely admit?

Male + IB diploma + 1530 = yes

[Anonymous]

FAFSA wasn't a requirement from any of the schools that awarded DC merit. It was clear that the merit aid was not need-based.

[Anonymous]

My kid and I did a program last weekend. Here’s what admissions said:

1. Test optional means test optional. When he got more specific, it seems like a score above their median can help. A score below the median should not be submitted and won’t be a negative.

2. Optional 500 word essay is not really optional. Not doing it is a negative.

3. Do the interview. It’s optional but definitely a plus if you do it. A weak interview went hurt, because they use student interviewers and understand on bad day. A strong one can help.

My DC interviewed and it was virtual

4. That said, interview slotsare full for 2021-2022 (Not sure how emphasizing the importance of interviews was supposed to be helpful on a senior visit day)

5. ED is a definite boost

6. Need blind. Meets full need in state. OOS they do not guarantee to meet need, but ED will get a better offer.

But, this means also you can’t apply ED from OOS with significant need, because you aren’t guaranteed it will be met. So agin, not sure how helpful this is.

The big thrust was: demonstrate interest, demonstrate interest, demonstrate interest.

[Anonymous]

^^ a weak interview *won’t hurt*

[Anonymous]

Filing or not filing a FASFA will make no difference for an in state applicant to William & Mary. None. We're now on page three of wasted breath.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid and I did a program last weekend. Here’s what admissions said:

1. Test optional means test optional. When he got more specific, it seems like a score above their median can help. A score below the median should not be submitted and won’t be a negative.

2. Optional 500 word essay is not really optional. Not doing it is a negative.

3. Do the interview. It’s optional but definitely a plus if you do it. A weak interview went hurt, because they use student interviewers and understand on bad day. A strong one can help.

My DC interviewed and it was virtual

4. That said, interview slotsare full for 2021-2022 (Not sure how emphasizing the importance of interviews was supposed to be helpful on a senior visit day)

5. ED is a definite boost

6. Need blind. Meets full need in state. OOS they do not guarantee to meet need, but ED will get a better offer.

But, this means also you can’t apply ED from OOS with significant need, because you aren’t guaranteed it will be met. So agin, not sure how helpful this is.

The big thrust was: demonstrate interest, demonstrate interest, demonstrate interest.

Thank you for this information!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is a reach for W&M? If my DS is full IB with almost all A grades and a 1530 SAT, is W&M a likely admit?

Male + IB diploma + 1530 = yes

Is he in state?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid and I did a program last weekend. Here’s what admissions said:

1. Test optional means test optional. When he got more specific, it seems like a score above their median can help. A score below the median should not be submitted and won’t be a negative.

2. Optional 500 word essay is not really optional. Not doing it is a negative.

3. Do the interview. It’s optional but definitely a plus if you do it. A weak interview went hurt, because they use student interviewers and understand on bad day. A strong one can help.

My DC interviewed and it was virtual

4. That said, interview slotsare full for 2021-2022 (Not sure how emphasizing the importance of interviews was supposed to be helpful on a senior visit day)

5. ED is a definite boost

6. Need blind. Meets full need in state. OOS they do not guarantee to meet need, but ED will get a better offer.

But, this means also you can’t apply ED from OOS with significant need, because you aren’t guaranteed it will be met. So agin, not sure how helpful this is.

The big thrust was: demonstrate interest, demonstrate interest, demonstrate interest.

Thank you for this information!

NP. The interview slots filled quickly and my DS didn't get one.

We are oos. Visited in the summer (tour and info session). DS also did virtual student panel and is signed up and will attend in person program in his interest area. Hoping that is enough demonstrated interest.

ED doesn't seem to give as much of a boost at W&M as at other schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is a reach for W&M? If my DS is full IB with almost all A grades and a 1530 SAT, is W&M a likely admit?

Male + IB diploma + 1530 = yes

Not a shoe-in. We learned that last year. The 75th percentile of attending students last fall had a 1520 so 25 percent of the students walking around have scores higher than a 1520.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it safe to assume that $250k+ HHI and a 6 figure 529 does not need to fill out fafsa?

it’s not “need to” but should because everyone who fills out a FAFSA is then entitled to the $5500 ( the amount increases sophomore, junior, senior years) annual loans. Your child has to sign the paperwork. I still remember when my DD said “Wait! I’m responsible for this?” Gives them teeth on the game. Both of our children graduated with about $25 to $28k in federal student loans, which you, as parents can pay off in the future. It gives your student skin in the game to know they are on the hook for something. We are doing the same at he graduate level (called Plus loans). Also both of our kids’ colleges would not talk to us about merit aid until we filled out the FAFSA. We just asked our CPA to do it.

I haven’t encountered any schools that require the FAFSA for merit. What schools require it?

GMU wouldn’t even talk to me without the FAFSA filled out

I would think they wouldn't want to provide merit aid where grant aid would be possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is a reach for W&M? If my DS is full IB with almost all A grades and a 1530 SAT, is W&M a likely admit?

Male + IB diploma + 1530 = yes

Is he in state?

1530 would be above 75th percentile (mid 50 was 1360-1520 for this Fall's entering class), so would seem like odds are pretty good.