Riverbound

U of Minnesota - Morris
Ranked 4th Public Liberal Arts
Full Tuition for NM Finalists
Half Tuition for NM Commended
These are both automatic NM=Scholarship


U of North Dakota - Grand Forks
#1 or #2 for Aviation
Full Tuition + for National Merit
Presidential Scholarships up to 60% of Tuition
Presidential based on grade point & test scores

U of Nebraska - Lincoln
Full Tuition + Room + Board for NM Finalist

lights_out

dogs,

I recieved information from BU about the scholarships they listed, but I am confused about something. Are these average SAT scores, like you stated, or mnimum, the impression I get from the mailing?

Ann Grossman

Hi Everyone,

My son is a senior this year, well-rounded kid who has worked hard, finishing high school math in eighth grade, lettered in soccer, math, speech, and school newspaper, ACT 34 SAT 2200. AP Scholar with Distinction this year with new scores, Nat'l Merit Semifinalist. We are in the same boat with lots of folks, middle class but probably too much family income to qualify for much need-based aid. My husband (university professor) thinks I'm too optimistic about scholarships for him, and that he may be aiming too high with school choices. Does anyone think the versatility is still relevant, or is it really more about high test scores, given the level of competition? He would prefer an urban school either east or west coast, but I'm trying to get him to keep an open mind about many of the wonderful schools elsewhere that may offer substantial merit aid. Any thoughts are appreciated.

northeastmom

As the son of a university professor, doesn't your son have the opportunity to go to some good universities at a much reduced rate, even without scholarships?

Lukester

Ann, The competition is fierce. Your S has great scores. If merit aid is your goal, concentrate your search below the top 20. Your S can get into top 20 schools, but don't expect much merit aid if any. The Ivies and the top LACs are generally need based aid only. You and your H should have a realistic sit down talk with your S about what finances are available, make a plan, then go after it. Read as many posts here on CC by "Curmudgeon." He is very open and helpful about the merit aid search process. In my opinion, he set the example for how to research, find and score the big merit aid. Our S had nearly identical scores as yours. Our S was accepted to four top 20 schools and two lower than top 20, rejected at one Ivy. Three of the top 20 schools offered him little or no merit aid. He ultimately accepted a large merit aid package to a LAC ranked in the mid 30s. He is extremely happy. So are his parents. If you plug in here at CC, read lots of posts and lay out your plan, you will be very happy come spring. Have fun and good luck.

Ann Grossman

Others probably know more than I do in general, in our case this is limited to specific places and for various reasons, not really an option. My impression is that this situation has changed over the years with many universities offering less to professors' children than in the past, and with a few more restrictions, but this is only my impression.

Ann Grossman

Thanks so much for sharing this information; it helps. I do know that the crop of kids, scores, and institutions alters every year, and I think the "wide net" advice is probably sound, too. I'm glad your son got such a good deal, so many of these kids have put in extraordinary efforts work near their ability levels, but the finances have become a nightmare and there seems no end in sight.

northeastmom

I just thought that I would throw out the information about family discounts for professors. I remember seeing a list posted on cc, and you may find it if you research the archives (just in case you decide to investigate this avenue). The list was about certain schools that had agreements with the listed schools.

Ann Grossman

Thanks for this info, will definitely check in case there are some arrangements outside those I know about. This is a great forum!

ST2

Ann - you might want to consider the following:
WashU

Approximate Scholars Program numbers for class of 2009:
Danforth Awarded 16
Rodriguez Awarded 25
Ervin Awarded 30

In addition to the above they also award Engineering school, Business school and Honorary Scholars program in arts & science scholarships. These include the Compton, Mylonas, Moog and a few other scholarship programs.

Most of the above are full tuition scholarships and many include annual stipends in addition to full tuition.

Your GC has to nominate you for the Danforth. This is usually done at the start of your senior year of HS. All of the scholarships require additional applications. Semifinalists, are invited out to an all expense paid weekend at WashU, at which point winners are chosen. The following is a link to a list of scholarships that you can apply for at WashU: http://admissions.wustl.edu/admissio...set=iso-8859-1

Most of these programs offer far more than just money. They include special events & programs, priority housing & class registration, research opportunities, mentoring and much more. Good luck with the process.

organizingmom

Does Middlebury College or Bowdoin College offer any substantial (full-tuition) NON NEED BASED, but MERIT BASED, scholarship money? The websites say no......but I have found the websites don't always give the WHOLE story

Limodriverlady

We also have a first son, 2210 SAT, 33 ACT, 4.2 gpa, full load of APs, 15/500, lots of honors, and full plate of activities. He wants to study computer science or maybe information technology.

Does anyone have some recommendations as to where he would be competitive for merit scholarships? We do not have an extremely high income, but I don't think he will receive anything for need.

He is planning on applying to UPenn and Brown where I am sure we would pay every last cent. Also to CMU, U Michigan, UVA, U Pittsburgh, Penn State, and Drexel.

Also, with his stats, could anyone render an informed opion as to whether UPenn and Brown are worth a try?

My2Angels

Ladylimodriver - a couple of schools you may wish to look into if you are looking for merit aid... Univ of Miami & Clemson Univ. My son's stats are not as good as your son's & he was offered pretty substantial scholarships at both schools. He choose to attend Clemson, because they seem to have a better engineering program (I believe CS is pretty good too) and he is in the Honors Program (lots of perks). I know they may not up to the standards of UPenn or some of the other schools you mentioned, but both are good schools and worth looking at!

Limodriverlady

Thanks My2Angels.

Will take a look at Clemson and Univ of Miami. Have been to the Clemson campus and thought it was beautiful. Although education has always been a high priority in our family, some of these costs have just gone over the top, and I'm not sure there is really as much value at the top schools as some seem to think.

My2Angels

I very much agree.