collegeyikes

My S has a very high SAT score (2200 overall: 770 math, 720 verbal, 700 writing) but a mediocre GPA (3.35), partly because ours is a VERY rigorous high school and limited opportunities for weighted classes. OOS costs are quite high at UofO, and I think most of their scholarships are for in-state kids (even though it's much more needed to offset OOS costs!) and/or based on GPA. Can anyone provide info about how a high SAT score can help with admissions and possible merit aid?

OregonSenior

A 2200 SAT score will be guaranteed admissions. In regards to scholarships, UofO has a minimum GPA requirement for most of their scholarships. You could try writing to them or talking to the financial aid department to see if you could apply, considering the difficulty of your prior school. Does the school rank? If so, then a high ranking would greatly increase the vantage that 3.35 at that school is better than a higher GPA at other schools.

SAT scores are extremely important, but so is GPA. I won the presidential scholarship (full in-state tuition) with a 32 ACT (2,160 SAT equivalent) and a 4.0. If your son's class rank is high, then the GPA can be overrided. Adcoms know that a ranking of 1 out of 500 is a ranking of 1 out of 500, regardless of whether that 1 had a GPA of 4.0 or 3.5 (so on).

UOregon

collegeyikes, thanks for your question…and kudos to your student for those outstanding SAT scores! From an admissions standpoint, we will look holistically at your student’s application. We will consider SAT scores, GPA, grade trends, type of courses completed (AP, Honors, IB, etc)., rigor of the high school attended, as well as the essay.

The University of Oregon does have scholarships for out of state students. By completing an admissions application, any student is automatically considered for merit (GPA) based scholarships. We would also encourage you to check about our Financial Aid and Scholarships website for any additional scholarships and our Scholarship Search Engine. In addition, you are welcome to speak with an Admissions Counselor at any time during this process and we’d be happy to answer questions that arise or provide additional information. You can find your Admission Counselor online:

Admissions Counselors | Office of Admissions

collegeyikes

Thanks for your response; I haven't checked this site for some time and did not see it until tonight. My S received his acceptance, and there was no mention of any merit scholarship award in that letter. Does that mean it is not offered, or might there be a separate notification? (I don't mind reaching out to Admissions/Financial Aid, but don't want to do so prematurely.)

OregonSenior

Merit scholarships are notified at a later date than admission is considered. I received my scholarships a month or two after my acceptance to the general university, and about two weeks before my admission to the honors college.