<p>Why do schools ask you to accept a merit scholarship BEFORE the May 1st date? Especially when the financial aid package won't be completed until the end of April? It seems like the financial aid process can really change everything, including the final decision because of the pressure to "decide".</p>
<p>Is it right to accept knowing the school will probably not be "the one" unless the total financial aid package is excellent? </p>
<p>I believe if the deadline is prior to the financial aid package, and the school isn't one of your top schools....you should decline, so others can receive the offer. But it is a tough call when the school may be your choice with the right financial aid.</p>
<p>Hmmm... I don't know.</p>
<p>A parallel, for me, would be the Gates Millenium scholarship. In order to qualify for the next round, it asks for data from the first-choice college before the May 1st deadline. Which certainly complicates matters...</p>
<p>txrunnerj,
Dont be crazyaccept that puppy. It is not your worry if the school cant get its FA office together enough to offer you a complete package at once. If you do reject it later, someone else will be able to use it! </p>
<p>Gphoenix,
Congrats on making it to the next (Final?) round. Dont worry about having to put down info on a college. Just pick your 1st choice. If you do win, they wont release the $ till they see a formal registration. Good luck.</p>