My son went to a high school that doesn’t rank (OOS) and he was told in his acceptance letter that he would receive merit. So did others from his high school - but I am sure there is something that they use initially to determine merit!
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We’re a little down on Clemson.
My S26 was deferred while a kid with identical stats and the same major was admitted. Given Clemson doesn’t consider essays, work experience etc, I bet the admissions folks couldn’t for the life of them explain why one was admitted and the other deferred. The whole college admissions process has a degree of randomness to it but Clemson seems more random than most.
With $18K from UTK, I think that’s the way he’s likely going to go.
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It could be major. It could be they didn’t have time to review the entirety. It could be rigor. That’s the issue with comparing.
If merit is what you seek - you noted $18K from UTK, then you’re not going to be happy with Clemson anyway because historically they’re not close. And of course, if merit/cost is what you seek, then there are cheaper similar type schools than both.
Best of luck to your student and it’s an annual issue, but students shouldn’t compare - there is a reason one was chosen and one wasn’t.
Finally, just a reminder, a deferral isn’t a rejection. A WaiT List is - for all intents and purposes. But a referral just means their app will be re-read in regular admission. Many will get in.
Good luck.
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Mine also was told they had merit, our school doesn’t rank (but if they did she was 10 out of 300). Some send what percentage they are
To be fair, that happens every year at every school. No when ever knows how these decisions are made. It’s a total crapshoot. Tsbna44 is right as well- Clemson generally doesn’t give much merit at all, unfortunately.
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I understand. I can’t imagine how many applications they see with identical stats and they have to choose. I bet he gets admitted in the next round though! Sadly, 18k in merit is highly unlikely from Clemson. We were happy my son got merit from Clemson, but we are from Tennessee… and UTK would have been a much cheaper option! Where else has your son applied?
Okay didn’t apply EA so doing RD. Looks like her GPA will be around 4.3 or 4.4 weighted after mid year grades and with a 1370, the question is if she submits that SAT or not. I think it’s close to the 75% range with them but not sure it helps her overall.
Cheer captain
Student dance teacher
AP scholar With honors
PT job
solid extracurriculars but also nothing that may set her apart.