@margalo, firstly, where did you get the idea that we were not serious about the school or the scholarship? It was a short turnaround time between the invitation to interview and the actual interview dates. My child worked on this essay over the Christmas break to get it in on time. She put as much effort into it as she did many others. We planned on going to accepted students’ days in March or April and did’nt think a trip would be required before then.
FYI it’s not a full ride scholarship, the school is $25,000.00 all in and the scholarship is $15,000.00. Of course we considered the distance when she applied but decided to keep our options open as it is a great SUNY school. My child applied to all the top SUNY schools. There is no such thing as a sure thing (the college application process is very competitive and its not over until its over). We wanted to cast a wide net so that she would have good options come May. Additionally, I did not see that an interview was required for the scholarship when she applied (she has gotten others without an interview). In any event, for the record, we are very grateful for the opportunity,honored at the selection and are very serious about it. We are just trying to figure out the most economical way to get there for the interview.