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NewToDentistry

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I am applying to dental schools for 2006, and I was wondering how one goes about trying to get a scholarship or a good financial aid package?
If any of you have scholarships, did the schools just offer them to you when you are accepted? Are there any private scholarships available?

More specifically, does anyone know of anything available at the following schools:
UMD (top choice)
UPenn
NYU
Columbia
UMDNJ

Here are my stats and stuff:
GPA: 4.0
AA: 26
TS: 30
PAT: 21
Female, non-minority
Financial Need: Much - married, no parental $$ support, and my husband is also a student. Already in debt from college. Woe is me.

Thanks for your advice!
 
With your situation you might be a good candidate for University Need-Based scholarships. Lots of schools offer them. I know that CU offers up to $8,000 for those in exceptional need. That depends on parents income as well. So if you have rich parents you will get less money whether or not they support you.

With your stats, you have a great likelihood of getting a University Merit-based scholarship as well. You have a near perfect DAT and perfect GPA, so I am sure you would get whatever scholarships they offer. I know that NYU gives out a full ride every year to one excellent student. I am sure lots of schools do this. Just apply and when you start getting acceptances, choose the best offer.
 
NewToDentistry said:
Financial Need: Much - married, no parental $$ support, and my husband is also a student. Already in debt from college. Woe is me.
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Whoah!!!! That is truly a dire situation. Maybe you can get advice from one of the 10,000 other dental students who happen to be in the same boat. 😀

You're not alone; so hang in there. You will almost surely get some kind of scholarship with your scores. Just be sure to compare the total cost of attending school and not simply choosing the scholarship that looks biggest. Many times the state school that offers no scholarship will still be the better financial option when compared to the private school offering a big scholarship.
 
Thanks for the advice drspongebob and onetoothleft-
Do you know if the schools just offer the scholarships when they accept you, or do you have to apply for them in advance?
Also, do they look at you parents' income even if you are not considered a dependent of theirs on tax forms? My parents are not wealthy but my husband and I probably close to the poverty line right now 😳
 
NewToDentistry said:
Thanks for the advice drspongebob and onetoothleft-
Do you know if the schools just offer the scholarships when they accept you, or do you have to apply for them in advance?
Also, do they look at you parents' income even if you are not considered a dependent of theirs on tax forms? My parents are not wealthy but my husband and I probably close to the poverty line right now 😳
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It depends on the school how they operate, but they will try to compete for you by offering you scholarships. Every interview that I have been to has had a small session with the financial aid officer. Ask him or her how to apply for scholarships, but it is my understanding that most schools will automatically give you the scholarship when they admit students with very high stats.

look into other scholarships. There are lots out there . . . most of the ones I have seen are more for students who fit a specific criteria (ex: children of war veterans, minority women, daughters of the NRA, stuff like that). I am sure you would be very competitive for anything that you see that you fit into.
 
Every school is going to be a little different. For need based scholarships (or partial tuition exemption) at my school, I would not find out until months after submitting my FAFSA. And I didn't get one the first year, but did get one other years.

Go ahead and ask, but I would focus more on the school that you want to go to. Generally, state schools will be cheaper than private schools. You have a very good problem to worry about. Most people are just wondering whether they will even get in!
 
u looking for a scholarship? well with these stats u can get it all over the place like from me! Prove to me these actually are your stats and ill offer u some type of assistance
 
joooj86 said:
u looking for a scholarship? well with these stats u can get it all over the place like from me! Prove to me these actually are your stats and ill offer u some type of assistance
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Let me know where to fax my score report/transcript, and I'll let you know where to wire the money! 😉
 
There are private scholarships available, but the amounts are typically fairly limited. Often $250-1,000 or so. But still, every bit counts.

As the good Dr. said above, you aren't alone in your need. LOTS of students are married to students, and some have children as well. You'll be fine. It may not be the level of living you're used to, but you'll make it through.
 
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