Can my parents take away college scholarships?

I am starting my senior year in high school. My parents became Baptist Christians 2 years ago and have become very strict. I have not accepted their religion and this leads to constant conflict, especially with my father.

My father has made it very clear that I will attend the college of his choice - one of the most religiously strict colleges in the US. His logic is that since he pays for college, he gets to choose where I will go.

I have a nearly perfect GPA and expect to do well on the SAT. I am currently ranked 9 in a class of 335. It is possible I will be awarded one or more college scholarships - sufficient enough so that with government loans I can pay for college on my own.

My father has anticipated this and has informed me that any college scholarships that I earn that cannot be applied to the college he wants me to attend will be thrown away…IE he will take the paperwork and trash it.

Can my father actually do this? He says he can until I am 18 and I do not turn 18 until next summer.

Answer #1

Unless they own the college, no. They can deny a parent plus loan though.

Answer #2

I dont believe so but I am not 100% sure! If you can pay some of your way than thats good! I would just apply for as many scholarships as possible and keep up the good work in High School ;)

Answer #3

There are different types of scholarships. Need based scholarships usually require your parents cooperation in providing financial documentation. Merit based scholarships generally do not require anything on your parents part. Do you have any money saved? Even if you do qualify for a merit scholarship you will need some money for miscellaneous expenses. There are also work scholarships where you have to work as a lab or research assistant in exchange for your money. Certain fields are in such high demand that you can get a scholarship if you agree to work in an area where needs are acute. For example, you may be able to get your teaching or nursing degree paid for l if you agree to work for a certain number of years in a specific area (inner city, indian reservation, etc). Think long and hard about student loans. I know so many young people now with large student loan debts hanging over their heads that can’t find good enough a job to support themselves let alone pay back the loan. Some deferred loans still accrue interest putting them further in debt. I worked my way through and while I did take 12 years to get my bachelor’s (changed major as well) I graduated debt free. While it is rather ugly for your dad to use his money to manipulate you consider that as long as you live on his dime you have to go by his rules. You have to decide what you are going to do. If you don’t want to live by his rules cut the purse strings and venture out on your own.

Answer #4

no they cant

Answer #5

My question was meant to refer to merit-based scholarships. Anything that depends on my parents is unavailable to me unless I attend the college they have selected.

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