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How Does GPA Affect Financial Aid
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Article on How Does GPA Affect Financial Aid
It’s no secret that a student’s grade point average (GPA) affects financial aid prospects. However students should realize that GPA is not the main, or only, deciding factor when many awards are made. Those with a high GPA cannot ‘coast’ through the financial aid process. Nor should those with a lower GPA give up. Most granting organizations look for well-rounded students. These students have historically done well in college and completed their course of study - and are the best investment for grantors.
Need-focused and Situation Focused Aid
Students entering technical or community colleges may find GPA affects financial aid, but doesn’t need to be stellar. Grades must be good in the courses that relate directly to the goal profession, plus good English grades, writing ability and basic math. Financial aid programs targeting returning / adult students recognize that GPA info is not the most recent indicator of the individual’s performance, since they have been out in the working world, or perhaps unemployed or disabled. The main purpose of this education aid is to help the individual to earn a living wage or become employable. Sometimes aptitude tests are administered as qualifiers for this type of aid.
Equal Opportunity Grants and Service Based Aid
Equal opportunity grants are often directed toward minorities or women, to bring diversity to the student body of a particular school or career field. GPA affects financial aid, but may have a bit less weight in the equation when these grants are awarded. Alumni or Military grants/scholarships are intended to fund legacy students whose parents or older siblings attend a given school, for example, or served in the military. Some schools foster this, but don’t ignore the GPA. If a student or parent is in the military, grants are essentially being traded for service, so GPA may not be the main qualifying factor.
Financial Aid Focused on Non-Academic Skills
Students of studio or performing arts are generally evaluated mainly on the basis of an audition or portfolio. GPA and extracurricular activities will have some weight here as well. For students pursuing a sports scholarship, lower grades on their transcript can be outweighed by extracurricular activities such as excelling in school sports. Passing classes is a must, but these grants and scholarships are intended to recruit students with athletic promise to bring prestige to their schools, then prepare students for coaching careers or professional sports. GPA affects financial aid to a lesser degree here.
GPA Rules in Some -- Not All -- Situations
Excellent grades are essential for most STEM Scholarships, and the main consideration for aid in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Students cannot do well in these areas of study without an outstanding academic record. Grantors will still give weight to extracurricular or leadership indicators, but GPA rules here. The bottom line: In many situations, GPA affects financial aid less than other factors. Whether a student has a high GPA to recommend him or other factors to qualify him for funding – it’s time to fill out the FAFSA for federal aid and start searching online for appropriate financial aid opportunities.
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