FA vs merit aid -- does it matter?

Youdon_tsay
Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:23:27 +0000

Ds is applying to a school that says it’s need-blind and meets 100% of need. We have a lot of need. At this particular school, his stats put him in the top 25%, plus he’s URM, tons of leadership, etc. I think he’d be a good candidate for the merit aid.

My question is, if they meet 100% of need, should he even apply for merit? Part of me feels like because of our financial need, his cost will be covered through FA and he doesn’t “need” the merit aid. He could not pursue that and leave the money for some other kid for whom it would make a difference, kwim? Another part of me thinks that not every kid is going to do the work/qualify for the merit aid, and it would help him stand out.

Will it make a difference down the line?