<p>I got the e-mail today that I was a finalist and I'm therefore invited to a scholarship weekend in St. Louis to explore the campus and the city and interview for a full tuition scholarship. <em>Exciting!!</em> :-D</p>
<p>Any parents here have any kids that went in the past? </p>
<p>They don't seem to say that you are flown out or anything. Every other school I applied to for a scholarship states that they fly the kids and/or one parent down with them. I'm debating on calling the rep. and asking if there's anything available for students who might struggle to pay the $300 plane ticket and $100 for a night in a hotel, plus maybe taxi expenses? Who knows. I can't really afford to blow that kinda money in one weekend. </p>
<p>Am I in the wrong in thinking that if a student with need is desired at a school enough to be invited for a scholarship that the school should make every effort to make it feasible for them to come?</p>
<p>Hmm...any input would be great.
Thanks again guys. You have been so awesome for the past six months or so. =P</p>
<p>I googled the scholarship.Nothing I read says whether they pay for plane ticket/hotel.It did say its a full tuition scholarship,didnt mention room/board,etc. Last year they invited 200 for 2 weekend dates and selected 30 winners.Congrats on being invited!
I will tell you that my older D is a grad student in St Louis (different University) and has grown to love the city.Its smaller,manageable,has public transportation and all cultural and recreational facilities you could want including good malls and excellent restaurants!</p>
<p>GOB. Congrats on the invite. 1/2 of D's schools flew her out , half did not. If there are 200 coming, I'm betting on "not". But you raise a good point. I'd call and explain the circumstances and ask if there are "considerations " they can make for students with need. I can't imagine they would expect you to rent a hotel room but... sadly, stranger things have happened. </p>
<p>It is O.K. to call.</p>
<p>Do call and ask. Merit money often has many kids who do not have the need, and will make the trip. Some schools do have a fund for those students who cannot afford such luxuries. When my boys stayed at the schools for any invites, the school did put them up, not in hotels but in dorm rooms, often on sofa or an extra bed available in a dorm. Food was on the school, with vouchers provided, but at their cafeteria.</p>
<p>I see no harm in calling and asking if it's possible.</p>
<p>Regarding St. Louis - my daughter goes to college 45 minutes from there and often goes into the city with friends on weekends to go shopping or to concerts. She's done two student teaching stints in the city and likes it but not enough to want to stay after she graduates in June. Sure is warmer then upstate NY! That said, last year it came up as #1 most dangerous city, or something to that effect.</p>
<p>You know if they put you up the way cpt says his kids were, like an overnight visit, you would get a much better understanding of the college then anyone else.</p>