I want a scholarship to Columbia University?

Question

I have excellent grades, (above 95), and attend extra clubs/sports. I want to go to Columbia University to become a doc./surgeon and my family doesn't really have much money. Do you think I can get in with a scholarship, and please if you have any more info. about Columbia and their scholarship programs, explain. Thanxx :p..oh yeah.. (I'm going to high school next year)

Answer 1

Columbia University offers need based scholarships which are accessed through the FAFSA form. It is based on a percentage of your parents' income, parents' savings, your income, and your savings with your income and savings counting higher. It also takes into consideration how many people are in your family and how many will be attending college at the time. It is great you are starting to search for scholarships, and you can seek out private scholarships. I will include some free resources to locate college tuition money to achieve your dream.

First, the college's financial aid office and website has a list of private scholarships offered from outside organizations and companies. Sometimes a college major's website will list scholarships, too.

Second, the public library has a book listing scholarships with some not even listed on the web.

Third, the high school guidance office has a list of local scholarships and state scholarships & grants. This can be done in the senior year. This is for your junior and senior year of high school.

Fourth, a campus work study job can help with money needed during the school year. The program is funded by the federal government. It will be a job on campus and most times can work to your availability schedule. There should be a box on the FAFSA form for it. This is for your college years.

Fifth, fill out the FAFSA form after January 1 of your senior year of high school. It will qualify her for need based financial aid from the federal government and the school itself. It will come in the form of scholarships, Pell Grant, student loans, and the work study program.

Sixth, study and practice for the SAT or ACT tests. It can help bring merit scholarships from the college itself. Prepare for the PSAT which could bring in scholarship money with excellent scores. I recommend using test preparation book, software, or a test preparation course. This should be done throughout your high school years.

Seventh, states do offer grant and scholarships for students with excellent grades. Search Google.com and Yahoo.com for these grants and scholarships with your state's name. This is for your senior year of high school.

Finally, I recommend joining several free membership scholarship search websites. There are scholarships for a variety of things including ethnicity, clubs, hobbies, and even wearing duct tape to the high school prom. Most are updated on a regular basis. Most offer a customized search based on information entered onto a form on the website.

Good luck!

Answer 2

First of all, I'm glad you're focused at such an early age. It makes things better in the long run. You need to go to college before you can enter med school. So after you leave high school, then you go to univ., then after that - you go to med school.

Now, you'll need to keep your grades very high, and ace the SAT when the time comes. I would advise reading some mature books and strengthening your vocabulary from now. The math part is easier and you can usually improve your score by practice closer to the exam itself.
Secondly, you need to continue doing extra-curricular activites. If you can be a varsity player, you can perhaps make the university team; if you're good enough, the coach may support your application. Get to know your teachers all the time.

Lastly, Columbia does not offer scholarships as per se. They will look at your parents' income, and determine how much money they think you can pay. The rest, they will pay off by giving you grants (which are scholarship in essence) and perhaps a loan. So, just try to get accepted, and you'll be set!!! Their policy is that a lack of $$$ should not prevent people from attending. And don't worry - if they find that your parents can only afford $5, then that's what they'll ask for.

You can also get other scholarship from different organizations, and add them to your university tuition. Bottom line: grades matter....good luck!