my daughter was accepted into the College Park Scholars program for Fall 2016. When she looked at their webpage, it said that she should reserve a spot by Feb. 12- nothing about it being binding. But will confirmation of her spot hurt her chances for financial aid? Will her award be less if they already know she wants to attend and they dont need to entice her? Do these two offices even communicate? Or will the scholars program actually help her chances for merit aid (we are out of state and not 100% sure we can afford this school, but it is her first choice)
@Jenbug - I don’t think it will have any impact. Financial Aid is based on your FAFSA and Merit Scholarships are based on the application. UMD knows that not everyone they accepted will actually enroll. Historically, they expect that only a third of the admitted students will actually enroll. Nothing at this point is binding. You still have till May 1 to make a final decision. I would recommend that you submit the housing form also. There is no cost. Just let them know if you decide not to attend.