Academic Scholarship: who gets it?

chelle · 10-16-2007, 06:20 AM

Does anyone know how the academic scholarships work? We received an application in the mail that list the ACT/SAT scores and the amount of scholarship. Does that mean everyone who meets that criteria will receive that amount if accepted? or do only a few accepted students who meet that criteria get the scholarship?

musicmom1215 · 10-16-2007, 07:43 AM

I think everyone who meets those scores gets it. I don't remember filling out a separate application for it. Wouldn't hurt to call and double-check me. I don't remember things very well anymore!

WMonMTDad · 10-16-2007, 03:05 PM

It's automatic to everyone with the ACT/SAT applicable

Mikksmom · 10-16-2007, 07:39 PM

yes - it is automatic. You can get more however if you qualify for it - but it is a nice start!

Most of the highest scholars also get invited into the Honors program as well.

chelle · 10-18-2007, 06:26 AM

Is OCU generous with talent scholarships? I know at some schools you can combine both academic and talent.

musicmom1215 · 10-18-2007, 07:53 AM

I don't think you can get both a large academic award and a talent award. Unless of course they want you so badly they will offer anything! My D has the top academic scholarship, but no talent award. Somewhere in one of the parent sessions, the Dean said they liked to spread it around.

2DsnMT · 10-18-2007, 10:59 AM

D#1 (MT grad of 2007) received both academic and talent scholarships at OCU. D#2 received academic scholarship but no talent scholarship for MT. I know of others that were offered academic and talent but for Theater Performance, not MT.

srw · 10-18-2007, 11:14 AM

S has both

WMonMTDad · 10-18-2007, 11:15 AM

S got max ACT/GPA academic. He did get a decent talent award for MT...but got the same talent amount for non-major clarinet instrumental (which basically is about enough to cover the lessons and fees for excess hours). Not that it affects either type of grant, but we FAFSA'd as no financial need.

The biggest thing, from what I understand, is that they basically will not grant in excess of tuition except in extraodinary circumstances. So the various room/board and fees would end up being covered by need-based aid. They do have a provision for National Merit (I think it's total tuition waiver) but I don't know if they cover room/board on them or not. I also don't know if it's any NM or just the ones that flag OCU as first choice. Mikksmom may be able to shed some light on that

2DsnMT · 10-18-2007, 01:56 PM

One more thing I'll add and I hope I don't upset anyone. Because there are fewer boys trying to get into MT there tends to be more talent scholarship money given to them. All the programs are competing to get the small group of boys that are auditioning so they have to 'sweeten the pot'. The story is completely different for girls....

srw · 10-18-2007, 03:11 PM

2Ds, yes that is true that it is a lot tougher for girls all the way around, getting into a program, not to mention getting merit or talent aid. A small compenstation to girls might be, that with the enormous competion, getting in a program and/or getting aid is a huge accomplishment. Of course all of this is easy for me to say, having a S.

2DsnMT · 10-18-2007, 03:35 PM

You're right....it is a huge accomplishment for Ds AND Ss who survive the college audition circuit and get accepted into an MT program. Scholarship money on top of the acceptance is just icing on the cake! I just didn't want the OP to compare what boys get to what her D might expect for a talent award.....

musicmom1215 · 10-18-2007, 05:51 PM

We have also observed that all of the talent awards we know of have gone to boys. Of course, we don't know of all of them. I would think that some of the girls they want who aren't getting a big academic scholarship would be offered talent scholarships as enticement to attend.

WMonMTDad · 10-18-2007, 06:51 PM

I would agree mm1215. If your academic record is high enough it will tend to limit your overall award since they only cover tuition. If the academic is lower and they want you you'd likely get more talent.

I will say this...based on what others have said in the past and what I've observed going through the process this past year: in general OCU seems to have a fair amount of academic and talent money available compared to many schools. It's mentioned in some of their material and does seem to be borne out in the actual results.

And S does seem to love the place!!!

srw · 10-18-2007, 11:22 PM

I know there are different fits for different kids, but OCU is just amazing, well organized, WONDERFUL faculty, 1st rate training and such a nurturing and caring atmosphire. I feel all of our kids are lucky to be there! My S loves the place too.