Hello! I am a HS junior starting the college process, and I got a few weird emails today. Two schools reached out to me, saying I had earned merit scholarships for them. Initially I was excited, but thinking about it, this is kind of confusing. Both lead to the colleges’ official websites so it seems legit, but I haven’t applied to any schools or scholarships yet, so I’m not sure how this would have happened. Any input would be appreciated!
This is marketing. These schools have automatic merit scholarships based on gpa. They got you to look at them because they offered you a discount based on your self reported gpa. They probably got your initial information from a test like PSAT.
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Ooh okay, thanks!
Not a “scam” per se, but way for low ranked schools to get more people to apply. In the coming months, you will get flyers from schools you have never heard of to apply for free. IMO, there is no harm in testing the water as long as it’s free. Some of these schools AO are super nice people who actually cares a lot.
The “scam” here is by having more applicants with high GPA and test scores apply, they can increase their “selectivity.” And if they give you enough money and you decide to go, then you are raising their student stats. This is actually how many schools climbed the rankings from 1990-2010.
You will be surprised how many schools will email you fee waivers and scholarship offers. Best of luck.
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