<p>Here is our experience, if it is at all helpful. As others have said, I’m sure it changes from year to year based on the strength of the applicant pool. My D is a freshman and received a $20,000 Presidential Scholarship. She had a 4.1 weighted GPA and a 2050 (1430) on the SAT. She did NOT get offered a spot in the Honors program. The other thing that may or may not have played into the process is that she auditioned for and was accepted as a Theater Performance major. When we received her acceptance letter, they said several very nice things about her essay. </p>
<p>SO, what was the key? Grades, SAT score, intended major, essay…bottom line, we have no idea. I do think it was interesting that they would offer her that much money and not invite her into the Honors program, but she REALLY loved University College so it worked out perfectly for her. </p>
<p>I have a D who is a junior in high school and is considering an application to American. We have had this conversation here as we are wondering if D #2 will be in the running for a merit scholarship should she decide to pursue admission. </p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>