Junior perfecting her prospective list while attempting a witty title...help?

momrath
Wed, 25 Apr 2007 02:35:23 +0000

tako, the merit money requirement will definitely slant your list. Many of the schools on your list do not give merit money as a rule (Dartmouth, Swarthmore). Others that do provide “incentives” to academically qualified students tend to limit the the funds they provide to internationals unless they can benefit from the diversity aspect. As a Canadian, you’re not particularly “exotic”. You don’t state you ethnic or racial background. If you are white, you will not have a demographic edge.

So, if you’re fixed on the merit money, then I’d suggest that you drop down a tier, as your academic and extracurricular accomplishments would be appealing to many colleges. Take a look at the thread at the top of the Parents board called “Schools known for good merit aid” for ideas.

If on the other hand your family is willing and able to fund your education, you’ll have plenty of choices. After you’ve done some more research and visiting and settle on the type (or types) of school that you prefer, you can extrapolate into a list that includes matches and safeties.

Good luck and let us know how you do.