<p>I believe Seashore is quoting something I said only as a guess. I have no idea how the faculty actually chooses scholarship recipients, but given conversations with faculty members who talk about how much they value the U of C because of the types of students they get to teach, it would not surprise me if it was a significant factor in the decision.</p>
<p>Since the scholarships are chosen in a closed-door session by faculty, I would be surprised if they were given out to lure athletic recruits. It’s one thing for the admissions office to favor athletes, but I can’t see faculty members doing this. My athlete friends have actually complained to me about how they’re not treated specially by professors. It’s possible that athletics and minority status are considered, but it’s hard for me to imagine professors giving these things the weight you’re implying.</p>
<p>I have a merit scholarship to the University of Chicago. I’m a white female from New England, so nothing special there. I was not a recruited athlete. I am not a developmental admit. I did pretty well on my SATs but not extraordinarily well. My GPA was lower than most CC posters’ GPAs. Nonetheless, given my application as a whole, I was pretty sure that I would get into the U of C, and I suspected that I would get a merit scholarship. I think it’s the combination of factors that can’t be seen with numbers, and I think it’s hard for us to see how decisions are made. Beyond numbers, the application has all three essays, recommendations, interview, activities… What do these things say about the applicant? How will this individual impact the campus community as a student and later as an alum? How will he or she add to the classroom or residential house or student club? Is he likely to go to another school if we don’t grant a scholarship? Do I want this student on campus? etc.</p>
<p>I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you, but there’s no way to know why you didn’t get a scholarship. It’s not something that any student can count on, but I don’t think you can easily dismiss the process and say that they’re given as substitute athletic scholarships. I can’t really see that being the case.</p>
<p>Also remember that the new Odyssey financial aid packages will be put into effect for next year, which will dramatically change financial aid practices at the U of C.</p>
<p>Good luck at Yale.</p>