<p>Jack, they say “limited merit aid” for domestic students for the same reason we’ve already discussed: They recognize National Merit Finalists for 2,000 dollars per year (8,000 over 4). There are also a couple of scholarships provided by alumni that are available ONLY to students applying from a particular high school (one example is the Donald Scholarship which is only available to students at two New Orleans schools). But I guarantee there are no other forms of merit aid for domestic incoming students. It is correct you can appeal your package if you feel your demonstrated need is met, but it will not help your position in such negotiations to mention any of your “merit.” There are also a handful of scholarships that are given out to students who are already enrolled at Carleton (some small music scholarships and such that are given to students for their sophomore, junior, or senior year), but those scholarships are only available to students already attending Carleton (not applicants). </p>
<p>That is it. I promise there is no secret merit budget that Admissions can draw from, and it seems like sort of a paranoid allegation.</p>