<p>“Significant” is in the eye of the beholder. Smith offers less merit aid (fewer awards with less money for “top” awards, and no small awards) than other schools - - schools that do not have Smith’s history of generosity with need-based aid. </p>
<p>I suspect that for those seeking merit awards, 50+ awards to an incoming class of 650+ aren’t really great odds. And while it is difficult for “outsiders” to predict who will get Zollmans/STRIDEs, I’m sure luck plays only a small role.</p>