Need and want are two concepts that can help us understand ourselves and the world around us. They are also the launching point of many philosophical arguments and even politics. When used in the right way, need and want can help people develop mutually agreed strategies that enhance their lives.
Need is a necessary element in life. We need shelter, food, clothing, and medical care. Without these elements, we would be miserable and unable to survive. Want is something we desire, but it doesn’t necessarily improve our quality of life. The difference is that want can become an economic demand, and may be backed by purchasing power. This is a significant difference and makes need and want two distinct categories.
Need and want are important in daily life, but their importance is often overlooked in academic studies. Need and want are also the basis for philosophy, science, and marketing.
One of the best ways to determine your need is to write a monthly budget. You can also create a list of your needs and wants and assign dollar amounts to each. For example, you may be able to use your monthly budget to pay for items on your want list, and the remainder can be used for need items. If you find yourself unable to complete your budget, consider applying to colleges that offer need based scholarships.
Need based scholarships are available for any student whose family cannot afford to pay for college. Many foundations and businesses offer these scholarships. There are even “no loan” colleges that award financial aid packages with no student loans.
To qualify for need based aid, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application asks questions about your family’s income and assets. It also provides an estimate of how much need based federal aid you can receive. In addition, many colleges have their own financial aid applications.
Most schools offer a variety of scholarships. These include need-based scholarships and merit-based scholarships. A good rule of thumb is that need-based scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated academic ability and financial need. However, some schools only offer need-based scholarships to in-state residents. Other colleges have specialized financial aid programs for local students.
Need based scholarships are a great way to make sure you can attend a college of your dreams. However, before you start applying for need based aid, you should first decide which school is the best fit for you. Some colleges may offer more scholarships than others, and a school’s need based program might vary in how much out-of-pocket cost you will have to pay.
Choosing a college is a difficult process. Whether you choose a need blind college or a need sensitive one, make sure you are comfortable with the admissions process and the admissions officers’ preferences. Be realistic about your finances and discuss your situation with your financial aid counselor. Keep in mind that need based scholarships can be a real bargain, and they might make the difference between going to a great school and not attending.