What is the best way to be sure of getting merit aid? I’ve spoken with my guidance counselors and they say there is no way to know definitely that a school will give you merit aid and scholarship money, but are there anyways to better my chances?
Try these links:
There is no way to know with most schools, but some give automatic merit base on scores. Check thos threads^^^
The best way to get merit is to have high SAT scores or ACT scores. So a 2100+ or a 32+ gives you much stronger chances at getting high merit.
Are you going into Junior or Senior year? Top PSAT scores in junior year can land you National Merit scholarships
with close to free rides at U of Alabama, Kentucky etc.
Your GC is WRONG, and you need to let her know that there are some schools that will FOR SURE give set merit awards for certain stats.
How do GC’s justify having/keeping their jobs when they know so little about these things? Yes, I know that they’re busy, but many people here on CC are “busy” and yet find the time to learn these things. I’d be ashamed to have that job, collect a paycheck every year, and stay so stagnate with info.
What are your stats?
What is your home state?
How much will your family pay each year?
Are you low income?
Do you have a non-custodial parent?
My parents are in the middle to high income bracket so although we are not extremely wealthy we are in the higher tax bracket. Therefore I am less likely to get a substantial amount of need based aid even though I have two other siblings that need to be put through college later. As for my scores, I have a 2000 SAT score (680 CR, 650 Math, 670 Writing). I have a 3.6 unweighted GPA, but I go to a school well known for its academic prestige. My family says that maximum they will pay 20,000 a year including room and board but I get the feeling even that is a stretch.
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680 CR, 650 Math, 670 Writing).
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You have a 1330 M+CR. that’s equivalent to an ACT 30. There are schools that will give assured merit for that.
At Alabama, you’d get 2/3 tuition merit award…about $16k per year award.
What is your major?
You should test again, and take the ACT. You may score higher and get more merit.
The best way to get merit money is to make sure you apply to safety schools where you feel you can still be challenged. there’s usually an algorithm they use…ACT/SAT score plus certain GPA equals X amount. some even have the estimated merit aid you will get on their website. We went with safety only, got merit money for all, and my D found one she loved. She’s not the only one who is doing this. Education costs are out of control! There are usually honors options in schools now to accommodate the more academic students, including honors dorms. It’s becoming more and more popular.