SMU 2011 Forum

[Marionberry]

Does this only apply to students attending private schools in Texas?

[jacketman03]

Does this only apply to students attending private schools in Texas?

Yeah.

[kalvano]

I also believe it is yearly for your enrollment, not a one-shot deal.

Also, sorry, maximum for this year is $3512 without a demonstrable financial hardship.

[wellington]

Not to be a buzzkill but I seem to remember reading that the tuition equalization grant was on the fast track to being extremely reduced/outright eliminated in the state budget cuts.

I'm going to miss that money if we don't get it next year.

EDIT: If I find the link I'll post it up. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

[kalvano]

That was an SMU Financial Aid Office panic email. It's on for this year, at least.

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps ... cfm?ID=534

For the 2011-2012 academic year, the program maximum is $3,518 per school year. However, students with exceptional need (those whose Expected Family Contributions are less than or equal to $1,000) may receive awards of up to $5,277 in a given year. Awards may not exceed the student's financial need or the amount of tuition the student is paying in excess of what he or she would pay at a public institution.

[bartleby]

That was an SMU Financial Aid Office panic email. It's on for this year, at least.

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps ... cfm?ID=534

For the 2011-2012 academic year, the program maximum is $3,518 per school year. However, students with exceptional need (those whose Expected Family Contributions are less than or equal to $1,000) may receive awards of up to $5,277 in a given year. Awards may not exceed the student's financial need or the amount of tuition the student is paying in excess of what he or she would pay at a public institution.

is this after or before scholarships? sorry, i should just call and ask someone but was wondering if anyone knew off the top of their heads.

[kalvano]

I don't know for sure, but I got about 60% tuition covered and still got the full grant.

[bartleby]

sweet, thx, this made my day

[Thirteen]

Thirteen, how come you didn't get it?

No clue.

[kalvano]

Thirteen, how come you didn't get it?

No clue.

Did you do a FAFSA? You have to do that to get it.

Also, you have to pay more in tuition than you would pay at a public school. I don't know what the comparison is (I'm paying less than UofH would cost), but didn't you get a decent amount of money?

[simontemplar]

Does anyone know when we should expect to hear back from SMU about FAFSA info? I think I submitted my application mid-march. Somewhere I remember reading that they let people know in June??

[A12345]

Thirteen, how come you didn't get it?

No clue.

There are only so much funds available and it is on first come first serve basis. Fasfa probably got filled out later than the ones that got it.

[Thirteen]

Thirteen, how come you didn't get it?

No clue.

There are only so much funds available and it is on first come first serve basis. Fasfa probably got filled out later than the ones that got it.

Yeah, I filled out my form pretty late. I hope I can get funds this year.

[fathergoose]

FWIW I didn't get it either.

[wellington]

I don't see how I could have had more financial need, but I wasn't awarded the full grant amount last year. Oh wells. Maybe this year.

[gorangers]

What is the criteria other than need for SMU distributing TEG money if they end up doing it this year? Above median LSAT and UGPA?

[kalvano]

What is the criteria other than need for SMU distributing TEG money if they end up doing it this year? Above median LSAT and UGPA?

I guess it's just how quick you file your FAFSA.

I filed mine about this time last year. Just filed my new one tonight.

[ebo]

What are the residency requirements on that cash? When do I have to become a TX resident?

[kalvano]

I believe for at least a year prior.

[DallasGal2011]

ACCEPTED via Status Checker and Phone Call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FT 161/3.91

[gorangers]

Congratulations!!!!! Any scholarship? (I have similar numbers)

[DallasGal2011]

Not sure... I didn't listen to the whole voicemail, I was too excited!! I'm guessing not, but that's okay! Are you full time also?

[smithc2011]

Any thoughts on paying 5k a year to attend Texas Wesleyan vs. paying 35k-40k at SMU?
I just went from like 95% sure on SMU to 90% sure, but probably just because I'm super skeptical about the salary statistics

[ArchRoark]

Any thoughts on paying 5k a year to attend Texas Wesleyan vs. paying 35k-40k at SMU?
I just went from like 95% sure on SMU to 90% sure, but probably just because I'm super skeptical about the salary statistics

Are your stats in your profile accurate? There is no way I would settle for Texas Wesleyan with your stats. You should have a good shot at the T14 and I am surprised you didn't receive a sizable scholarship from SMU. Did you apply late?

Couple things to think about:
Are there any stipulations on the Texas Wesleyan scholarship?
When you say 5k a year, is that including cost of living/cost of attendance?
Are you dead set on staying in Texas to practice/attend law school?

I usually hate the TLS retake/reapply default answer, but, in your case, I think reapplying next cycle is the credited response, especially if you applied late.

That said, if reapplying isn't an option for you, I would be highly wary of attending SMU at sticker. However, I will say that I am extremely debt averse and am turning down T14s to attend SMU with a sizable scholarship. I personally can't fathom going ~150-200k into debt for a professional school whose job market continues to look bleak.

[david787]

I think SMU is worth it but you should be skeptical of all the salary data out there. SMU would give you great opportunities in Dallas due to its network, but Texas Wesleyan also has the same local market so there would be opportunities there (and probably somewhat easier to stand out as a student).

The reality is that the job market for lawyers is really rough, I think Dallas is one of (if not the) best markets though. For me it would be worth it, but you know your financial situation and what your goals are after you get your degree and that's what you should evaluate.

I just saw the recent post from Arch, the re-apply answer is commonly said for a reason, unless the timing is critical (which 99% of the time it isn't), it's worth it. You would def get $ from SMU and probably in at UT (I would think).