<p>just a word on merit aid. AU like most other schools automatically assign scholarships based on certain numerical cut-offs, as in GPAs(usually at or neat 4.0) and SATs (usually at or near 1400 on a 2-score basis). unfortunately, that is it! financial aid, of course is all-together different and NEED-based, with a combo of grants,loans, work-study. all should be showing on portals, and will come on a separate page in the AU acceptance packet. call the financial aid office if you want something answered, especially about the portal.</p>