Scholarship applications are at least as much work as applying to colllege!

[Anonymous]

So many essays. So many recommendations. So many forms that you have to print out and fill out by hand. And all for unknown odds of getting any money out of it. My DD is balking, and I can't really blame her.

I've tried to be judicious in recommending scholarships to apply for, and she's narrowed it down to about seven that look like she might have a chance.

But then I read on one of her accepted college's sites that they might reduce her financial aid by the amount of an outside scholarship.

Anyone else wondering if it's worth it?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it unless I was in a 'no need based aid' category

[Anonymous]

Outside scholarship WILL reduce financial aid!

[Anonymous]

30 years ago outside scholarships were typically $1,000.
Today the same outside scholarships are still $1,000.

ugh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside scholarship WILL reduce financial aid!

So you shouldn't bother with them at all?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outside scholarship WILL reduce financial aid!

So you shouldn't bother with them at all?

only if you don't qualify for need based aid or they come with perks...travel or internships etc

[Anonymous]

We don't bother with small ones - 500, 1000...etc. No time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:30 years ago outside scholarships were typically $1,000.
Today the same outside scholarships are still $1,000.

ugh.

Good point!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside scholarship WILL reduce financial aid!

It was such a surprise to learn this - what a perverse disincentive to apply for scholarships. Some of the non-merit schools will let you use outside scholarships to buy out your student's contribution, but otherwise it's a straight 1-for-1 reduction in need-based aid.

[Anonymous]

I remember applying for some of those 20 years ago. One was offered by some veterans group my grandfather was in. it was easily 3x the work of every other application i'd done including colleges. It was for $500 and in the end they gave it to me and another kid so it was for $250!

[Anonymous]

Agreed!!

[Anonymous]

Yes, outside scholarships reduce FA package if the college has met 100% of demonstrated financial need. Parents don't usually agree that the demonstrated need is a true reflection of what they are able to pay. In order, the college might remove student contribution then a loan in the amount of the outside scholarship. Our child's college does not pay RAs a stipend but I was able to have the FA counselor agree to remove the student contribution.