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

DogsAndMath23
Sun, 03 Sep 2017 03:36:22 +0000

How accurate is the NPC for merit aid calculations? Since I have a 1560 SAT and 4.0 UW GPA, with a decent amount of weighted classes, I was really hoping for a good amount of merit money. I am also planning on submitting my application before October 15 since it says they start reviewing merit scholarship applications at the end of October. The NPC only gave me 7k in “Institutional grants” though.

I know Pitt is a state school and has to prioritize in state students, but is merit aid that poor for OOS students? Since the website says that “the academic profile of a typical Chancellor’s Scholarship nominee consisted of a minimum SAT score of 1530 or 34 ACT composite score, a top 2% high school class rank (if applicable), and an ‘A’ average in challenging high school curriculums consisting of AP/IB/Honors courses” I figured I’d have a good chance at being nominated for it. Am I wrong? Does the college matter? I’ll be applying for engineering.

I’m not going to lie, the prospect of a large merit scholarship is the main reason I’m applying. It’s not the only reason, but I live in CA so getting to Pittsburgh to tour the school is a challenge. I just can’t justify the NPC’s estimate of 41k for Pitt when I have the luxury of paying in-state tuition at some really great schools, and I know some private schools more selective than Pitt that would cost less for me.

Thank you for any help!