Hello!
My kid got off the waitlist and was admitted to Vandy for the fall 2024. However, she has not received any aid. I called the Vandy office and they mentioned that there is not a chance for aid since the merit based ones have already run out and we don’t qualify for need based. Are there any other options to secure a scholarship for the first year? and what are the chances of getting scholarship for rest of the years after joining Vandy?
Thanks so much for your response!
I’m not familiar with Vanderbilt, but merit offers at college are usually offered freshman year only (and are for each year with gpa requirements), it’s a bribe, not a reward.
I would not expect to get a scholarship once enrolled. If Vandy is not affordable I’d turn down the waitlist offer.
You will not be able to get merit from Vandy if you did not apply for and receive it freshmen year. Your only chance would be outside scholarships, but it’s pretty late for next year and also not something you can count on for future years. I would say if you can’t afford full pay, then it’s probably not the right school.
Vandy doesn’t say if their wait list is need blind or aware.
For many it’s aware - in other words, they are first going to the full pay.
Can’t say that’s Vandy - but it may be.
Waitlist Information for First-year Applicants | Undergraduate Admissions | Vanderbilt University
The parent isn’t expecting need based aid…which is what need aware/need blind is about. Need aware schools are looking for your level of need when they consider admissions. This student has no financial need…per the parent.
This student is asking about merit aid, not need based aid.
As noted, most merit aid is awarded to incoming freshmen and is very competitive at Vandy. If this school is not affordable, it’s just not affordable. I don’t think you should expect significant money in subsequent years from Vandy.
Congratulations OP!! You are another example of a wait list not being a rejection but the deferred final decision it really is. I hope the finances are manageable juxtaposed against your kids preferred option.
Yes, I understand.
My point to OP was to not expect anything - that’s potentially why they were high up on the WL.
Merit scholarships are given early in the process and for all 4 years. As a result, it means you’ll be full pay all 4 years.
That school is possibly need aware has NOTHING to do with a student who has zero financial need. This student parent was asking about merit aid…and that is something they are not going to receive from Vandy now.
It has everything to do with getting off the wait list though…if their list is need aware. That’s the reward - not extra money.
The point again is - they’re going to get nothing.
We are all saying the same thing.