KRS-One*

I was just wondering how the merit-based aid at American is in general, and if anyone can estimate if I will receive any that would be great.

Here are my stats:

White Male
Philadelphia, PA
Top Public HS in the District
Class Rank: 40 / 520 (~7.7%)
Weighted GPA: 4.05 (no unweighted numbers at my school)
AP's: 3 by graduation (Physics B, Calculus AB, Statistics)
SAT I: Math = 780, CR = 660, Writing = 770 (1440 or 2210)
SAT II: none taken yet, don't know if it's really necessary
E.C.'s: not much in-school, but tons of community service, plus a supermarket job

Also, I live in a middle-class family, with a total income of somewhere between $70k and $80k. I'm going to go out on a limb and say I wouldn't get too much need-based aid (even though I need it right now)...

But if anyone has any comments on the aid in general, or any estimates on what I would get, I would really appreciate it. Thanks...

mini

I think it will be different for everyone, but I can tell that with a relatively similar income, my d., who received no merit aid, (and had much lower SATs and GPA than you, and no ECs, though some college classes, and world-class ECs), need-based aid came to roughly 40% of the total cost of attendance.

KRS-One*

mini - Thanks for answering. What year was your daughter accepted?

mini

She's going into her second year.

hello5

My S with lower GPA than you, more APs, and a ACT of 31 received a substantial merit award. PM me for more info.

katytibbs

My son, with a similar class rank but higher weighted GPA and similar test scores was one of many people who got offered the top amount of merit aid at American. See what I just posted for the Honors program, you look good compared to that, and acceptance into the Honors program means money. They don't use financial need at all (we wouldn't qualify for any, our expected family contribution was equal to the full cost at American) , but you do have to file the financial need form on time, before they will notify you of merit aid.

DeirdreTours

We never filed any financial aid forms, but out son was awarded the top merit scholarship at AU (and later, an additional 2k per year for NMS sponsored by AU).

KRS-One*

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback