Does having a sibling applying at the same time as me make getting merit aid for both of us harder? My sibling got merit and and I didn’t. Our stats are pretty darn similar. Thanks
No. You are each evaluated separately.
Same school?
Your sibling’s ACT is one point higher than yours. You mention that you have better ECs.
The truth is …ECs are often meaningless for merit. And one point for the ACT is a significant difference… it’s not a minor difference. There is often thresholds for merit, and one pt can make a difference.
Can you retake the ACT?
Very true. If you have been accepted at the school, you should check to see if they would re-consider the merit award if you re-take the ACT/SAT and score better.
Thanks everyone. I’m waiting on SAT scores now, fingers crossed
Same college? Or not?
yes
Huh?
My daughter is academically stronger than her friend from high school that applied to the same scholarship at the same college. Merit scholarships do not necessary go to the highest score/GPA student. So that 1 point difference in ACT or 50 points in SAT may be overcome by a stronger EC and better essay once you are way above the threshold (e.g. 35 vs 36).
@Madison85
The OP and sibling were accepted to the same school. Sibling’s ACT is one point higher and was given merit. OP thought that because his/her own ECs were better that s/he would also get merit, but ECs are often meaningless for merit.
Ok, thanks - same school, not different schools.