<p>This is our family's first time through the college selection & scholarship process. We could really use some advice on how to handle the scholarship portion of the process from a few seasoned veterans. One specific situation involves an in-person conversation with an admissions counselor. If something is said verbally, how much can you rely on the statement? My daughters really like this particular university and the extremely encouraging comments have made them focus on this university's scholarship apps at the expense of other scholarship deadlines. </p>
<p>I'm all about "keeping doors open". However, they seem really excited about this opportunity and are obviously exhausted. I feel that we can trust this ac...he has been amazing. Yet, in these tough times, I'm a bit nervous. </p>
<p>Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to PM if you prefer.</p>
<p>Believe it when you see it in writing -- an official offer. Really, when you think about it, an admissions counselor is not that high up in the food chain, although s/he looks like God in your child's eyes. Even if the Dean of Admissions promises me something, I still need to see it in writing! Think about job interview. Would you quit your current job for the new one on the basis of what a recruiter tells you? A prudent person would wait until the offer comes in writing with salaries/benefits spelled out. I don't see how it's diffrent here, especially if FA/scholarship is what you count on.</p>
<p>Until it's official, in writing, it basically means nothing. All the admissions counselor can really say at this stage is that your daughters have a good chance, would have got it in other years, etc. They cannot guarantee you that there won't unexpectedly be lots of superstar candidates applying, that institutional priorities will not change, etc, etc, etc. This is particularly the case when you have to apply for the scholarship, it isn't purely numbers driven.</p>
<p>If you are relying on scholarships, you need to apply for as many as you can. There are very few guarantees when it comes to scholarships, and when a scholarship is guaranteed it is usually spelled out in black and white that it is so.</p>
<p>I hear you loud and clear. Thank you. A good portion of the merit aid is in writing. But it's the last portion that is verbal at this point (additional essays and apps are in the works). The girls have other options (in writing)...just very excited about this particular university.</p>
<p>How "open" should they be with the university about their feelings? We don't like playing games....</p>
<p>I would say they should be totally honest with their feelings. That's (almost?) always the best. I would say how much they like the school, and if they have other offers that are better, they can mention them, because sometimes schools match or improve offers from other schools because they really want those candidates. What a nice situation!</p>
<p>Your right Franglish, it is a dream come true...if it does. I guess that is what scares me. Several of our friends are receiving letters from other universities explaining upcoming cuts in scholarship funding. The girls are getting more excited by the day about this school. What I worry about is if it doesn't work out, the alternative schools will be a dissappointment to them (because they are becoming so excited about this one).</p>
<p>A couple of the admissions officers encouraged my son to e-mail them with questions, comments, and just telling them what's doing with him. Your daughter should be in touch with the admissions officers of the schools they like and letting them know what and how they are doing. Also how excited they are about the school. For some schools, the smaller ones in particular, this can be very important.</p>
<p>cptofthehouse, thanks for the suggestion. After acceptance, did you proceed with "enrollment" and housing deposits at this time of the year...or did you wait?</p>