SAT Optional Schools

MarathonMan88
Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:09:57 +0000

I think I can explain the logic of how SATs probably play a role in FA awards at SAT-optional schools like Bates, though I have no knowledge of Bates’s aid allocation. Many schools, including most of the NESCACs, offer their top-rated admits, overwhelmingly students with both high test scores and high gpas, so-called preferential packaging (sometimes more forthrightly called merit-within-need). A preferentially packaged financial-aid offer meets calculated need entirely with grant money instead of the usual combination of loan + work study + grant. Well qualified URMs and other highly desirable students are frequently offered preferential packages as well. If Bates doesn’t compete in the preferential packaging game, I’ll bet it’s not because they wouldn’t like to.

On a (marginally) related note, I give Muhlenberg College high marks for this web page, which lays out the details of preferential packaging and how it can affect students’ college planning. Few colleges even admit publicly that they use the practice, let alone help students think through its consequences: