Certificate of Merit

Parents Forum
1

<p>Son received a Certificate of Merit from the Commonwealth of PA. It says it’s because of his SAT performace…and invites him to apply for a state grant. </p>

<p>Questions: Does everyone receive these? It is a marketing tool of some sort? What is the point of the certificate?</p>

2

<p>D got two of these from PA - one for SAT, one for ACT although it basically just said it was because she scored in the highest 5,000 scorers in PA… it also says that she isn’t getting anything for it but she can apply for regular state grants… we assumed that meant through FAFSA. I don’t have the certificate with me but this is basically what I believe it said. I remember D saying la de da… what’s it get me?? LOL!</p>

3

<p>Using a search engine, I learned that the certificates to the 5,000 Pennsylvania students scoring highest on the SAT their junior. For at least one year, the qualifying score was to have attained at least a 1350. I found several places in which students were recognized for getting the certificate, but I didn’t see any info about who gets the grants. However, what does your son have to lose by applying for a grant? His scores were even higher than 1350, his grades and ECs also were excellent.</p>

4

<p>Don’t know how it is in your state, but in our state, the top 1% of high school seniors (as determined by a combination of GPA and SATs) qualify to apply for the federally funded Byrd Scholarship. Has to be nominated by the principal. We receive $1,500 a year for four years.</p>

5

<p>Thanks all. Yes, Islandin, this is the same certificate. The little note that comes with it mentions it being for the 5,000 highest scorers. I’m just not sure how the Certificate of Merit translates into any additional state grant money, if any. It sounds as if students need to meet low income guidelines, regardless of the certificate. So, I’m not sure what it gets him.</p>

<p>NSM, you are right, it won’t hurt to apply. That’s the plan.</p>

<p>Mini, I’ll have to check around and see if we have any state level scholarships. I haven’t thought of that.</p>

6

<p>Here’s the info. on the Byrd scholarship in Pennsylvania (it differs state-by-state):</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.pheaa.org/specialprograms/Robert_C_Byrd_Honors_Scholarship_Program.shtml[/url]”>http://www.pheaa.org/specialprograms/Robert_C_Byrd_Honors_Scholarship_Program.shtml&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>It is not means-tested.</p>

7

<p>Thanks Mini. I read the application. I suspect we’ll have a problem with the rank - Son’s school doesn’t rank…but if they did, I don’t think he would be 1,2 or 3. </p>

<p>Worth a shot anyway!</p>