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College and Scholarships?
# 1 As much people say the college you attend doesn't matter. Is that really the case?
# 2 In terms of scholarships for college, is there a steady amount of financial aid for the low income?
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Ryan’s Answer
The college you choose does matter; all colleges are not equal in all qualities. Research your interests and the success statistics of the programs in the schools you are considering. What is the graduation rate? What support systems are available for students? What kind of setting are you seeking - commuter, or living on campus? No, not all colleges are equal, and you need to hook up with an advocate if you can, who will help you find the programs and settings that you feel most comfortable with if possible. Make a list of your interests, your passions,; then identify a geographical region you want to research, if you have one. If a geography does’nt matter, then do a general search. Once you create a list of possible schools with the programs in the geographical region you desire, then search financial aide available for those schools. Yes, this can take significant work, but if you find the programs that match your interests at the schools you will be comfortable attending, then the financial aide can make your college selection a reality. It is a journey that helps you discover a lot about yourself a long the way.
Wow!! This was really helpful, I'm really glad you were detailed, I feel a lot less lost about this process and thanks soo much :)
Rich
Updated
Amaka’s Answer
Where you go to school does matter. You need to choose schools that align with the field that you are interested in. Schools with a good recruitment and active alumni presence. This will help in searching for internships and jobs.
For example I went to Rutgers Business School and I was interested in accounting. It had a strong recruitment program from the big accounting firms. This helped with finding my first internship.
In terms of scholarships, going to a school with a strong alumni also means more contributions to the school and more scholarship opportunities. Financial aid is determined based on your parent's income and timely completing your FAFSA.
For example I went to Rutgers Business School and I was interested in accounting. It had a strong recruitment program from the big accounting firms. This helped with finding my first internship.
In terms of scholarships, going to a school with a strong alumni also means more contributions to the school and more scholarship opportunities. Financial aid is determined based on your parent's income and timely completing your FAFSA.
Awesome feedback, really glad to hear this. Thanks!
Rich
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
I feel that the college you chose does in fact matter. When I was interviewing for jobs right after college, I tended to get negative feedback regarding the 2-year school that I attended as a freshman and sophomore, but had positive feedback from the larger, more well-known university I attended junior and senior years. I ended up removing the first college from my resume as a result, and just listed the one from where I graduated after 4 years.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Rich
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
In answering the second part of your question, if you are a low-income California resident who will attend a college in California you will likely be eligible for state and federal grants (need-based money you do not have to repay) which will be contributed towards your financial aid award to offset tuition/housing and other fees. It is extremely important that you fill out the FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) using the following link: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and submit it by the March deadline in the year you plan to attend college (for this application cycle the deadline is March 2, 2023). Based on the information you provide, you may qualify for federal aid and/or Cal Grants (https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants).
Each college should also have a "Financial Aid & Scholarships" page on their website that show you both need-based and merit-based scholarships that they offer to admitted students. Some of these may be applied automatically based on your financial need or GPA, while others require an additional application (which may include essays). I would also encourage you to research need-based and merit-based scholarships in your city and local community. There are also scholarships offered by large corporations such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Burger King & Google or foundations such as the Posse Foundation and Red Cross. Finding scholarships takes a lot of research, but it helps to keep a list of the ones you qualify for and their respective deadlines. Don't overlook the scholarships providing less money, everything adds up!
Each college should also have a "Financial Aid & Scholarships" page on their website that show you both need-based and merit-based scholarships that they offer to admitted students. Some of these may be applied automatically based on your financial need or GPA, while others require an additional application (which may include essays). I would also encourage you to research need-based and merit-based scholarships in your city and local community. There are also scholarships offered by large corporations such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Burger King & Google or foundations such as the Posse Foundation and Red Cross. Finding scholarships takes a lot of research, but it helps to keep a list of the ones you qualify for and their respective deadlines. Don't overlook the scholarships providing less money, everything adds up!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Rich
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
The college that you go to does matter. Some recruiters and hiring managers might judge you for a specific position depending on where you went to school. Some schools are better at providing and teaching education than others. Think about it like this: Two people could be applying for the same position as say, an accountant. Both of these people have the same level of education and has been in school for the same amount of time. The difference is, that one was from a community college that offered an accounting degree, while the other person went to a top 20 school that specialized in accounting. When they look into the pool of candidates, the recruiters and hiring managers will also think about the quality of the education. If the applicant went to a school that specialized in the subject, they would most likely have more quality experience and education compared to the other that would have a basic education on the subject. When they look at applicants they will want to have applicants that would mesh better with the company, and will pick things up quickly without needing to be taught. For the community college applicant it can be difficult unless they can prove that they have the qualities of the company is looking for.
This was amazing, thanks for your amazing input.
Rich