2 answers
Ariana
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
5
Questions
Asked
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Is true that if you parent have a good career you can´t have a full ride to the university?
Because my parents are doctors and a lot of people have told me that I can´t have a full ride
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2 answers
Armando de Jesús Herrera
Sr. Project Engineer
47
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
It’s frustrating to hear that from people, but they are mistaken. It is not true that just because your parents are doctors, you cannot get a full ride to university. It all depends on what kind of full ride you are talking about.
1. Need-Based Full Rides (e.g., from the FAFSA or CSS Profile)
This is where people get that idea. For need-based aid, universities look at your family’s income and assets. Since your parents are doctors with high incomes, you likely will not qualify for a Pell Grant or a ‘full ride’ that is given solely based on financial need. This is probably what people are warning you about.
2. Merit-Based Full Rides
This is the good news. Merit scholarships have almost nothing to do with your parents’ income. They are awarded based on you: your grades (GPA), test scores (SAT/ACT), leadership, essays, talents, and extracurricular activities.
There are hundreds of universities (from second-tier state schools to elite private colleges) that offer ‘full ride’ merit scholarships called things like:
a) The Stamps Scholarship
b) Presidential Scholarship
C) Trustee Scholarship
Now, based on what you are asking, you need to develop a plan to get a merit based scholarship. My recommendations are:
1) Focus on schools where you are an ‘above-average’ applicant. A full ride at Harvard is nearly impossible for anyone. But a full ride at a good state school or a private liberal arts college is very possible if your GPA and test scores are in their top 5-10% of applicants.
2) Look for ‘Automatic Merit’ schools. Many universities (like the University of Alabama, University of Oklahoma, or University of Mississippi) publish charts online: ‘If you have a 3.8 GPA and a 1450 SAT, you get a full tuition scholarship.’ Your parents’ income doesn't matter.
3) Apply for Private Scholarships. Outside organizations (local community foundations, corporations like Coca-Cola or Burger King, professional medical groups) offer big scholarships that have nothing to do with your parents’ paycheck.
The truth on their comments is that as your parents being doctors closes the door to need-based aid, but it does not close the door to merit-based full rides. In fact, children of educated professionals often have better access to the resources (test prep, tutoring, college advising) that help win those merit scholarships.
So don't let those people discourage you. Challenge yourself to get the grades and test scores that make you a top candidate. You can earn a full ride."
1. Need-Based Full Rides (e.g., from the FAFSA or CSS Profile)
This is where people get that idea. For need-based aid, universities look at your family’s income and assets. Since your parents are doctors with high incomes, you likely will not qualify for a Pell Grant or a ‘full ride’ that is given solely based on financial need. This is probably what people are warning you about.
2. Merit-Based Full Rides
This is the good news. Merit scholarships have almost nothing to do with your parents’ income. They are awarded based on you: your grades (GPA), test scores (SAT/ACT), leadership, essays, talents, and extracurricular activities.
There are hundreds of universities (from second-tier state schools to elite private colleges) that offer ‘full ride’ merit scholarships called things like:
a) The Stamps Scholarship
b) Presidential Scholarship
C) Trustee Scholarship
Now, based on what you are asking, you need to develop a plan to get a merit based scholarship. My recommendations are:
1) Focus on schools where you are an ‘above-average’ applicant. A full ride at Harvard is nearly impossible for anyone. But a full ride at a good state school or a private liberal arts college is very possible if your GPA and test scores are in their top 5-10% of applicants.
2) Look for ‘Automatic Merit’ schools. Many universities (like the University of Alabama, University of Oklahoma, or University of Mississippi) publish charts online: ‘If you have a 3.8 GPA and a 1450 SAT, you get a full tuition scholarship.’ Your parents’ income doesn't matter.
3) Apply for Private Scholarships. Outside organizations (local community foundations, corporations like Coca-Cola or Burger King, professional medical groups) offer big scholarships that have nothing to do with your parents’ paycheck.
The truth on their comments is that as your parents being doctors closes the door to need-based aid, but it does not close the door to merit-based full rides. In fact, children of educated professionals often have better access to the resources (test prep, tutoring, college advising) that help win those merit scholarships.
So don't let those people discourage you. Challenge yourself to get the grades and test scores that make you a top candidate. You can earn a full ride."
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
128
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
While it's true that need-based financial aid takes your family's income into account, full-ride scholarships come in many different forms, and merit-based scholarships don't care at all about how much money your parents make or what they do for a living. These merit awards are entirely based on your own hard work, like your grades, leadership skills, community service, or talents, meaning your dream of earning a free ride is absolutely still alive if you focus on excelling in school and your extracurriculars. Additionally, many universities offer incredible institutional scholarships to top-tier students based purely on academic achievement, so never let anyone discourage you from applying to your dream schools or going after big awards. You have the power to define your own path based on your own incredible dedication, and your future is entirely in your hands. Keep your focus on your goals, believe in what you can achieve, and I wish you the absolute best of luck as you prepare for university!