How good/bad is merit aid for OOS students with good stats?

carachel2
Sun, 03 Sep 2017 13:57:21 +0000

The Pitt NPC doesn’t calculate merit scholarships. Or at least it didn’t last year. About two pages back there is a huge thread called “Pitt Class of 2021 merit scholarships.” You should really take the time to read through it and you will get a rough idea as to what you can expect when you compare your stats to others.

You are wrong about the Chancellor’s. There were quite a few perfect scoring, perfect GPA kids who didn’t get nominated. Your stats will get you considered for the Chancellor’s, but your essays are what gets you through as a finalist. They are looking for a unique student for sure.

Based on last year’s merit threads, you could get anything from $15K per year to full tuition. There were many perfect scoring, perfect GPA kids who got 15K per year. There were a few with the same stats who got 20K and then a few who got full tuition.

Pitt’s merit aid for OOS students is quite generous actually. Most large state schools don’t give ANY merit aid to OOS students. Also, they do give OOS need based aid which is highly unusual. Sounds like you qualify for that per the NPC. So with that need based award and then 15-20K per year, you pretty much have all of tuition covered if that happens.

It’s a catch 22 with the more highly selective schools you mentioned that would be more affordable…isn’t it? First you have to be actually admitted, right?

You should show some interest in the school somehow. Perhaps go to a college fair in your area and try to meet a rep; email an admissions officer, etc.