Awarded the Presidential Platinum Scholarship out of nowhere

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Florida
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<p>I checked my email tonight and saw this:</p>

<p>*Congratulations! You have been selected as a recipient of the University’s Presidential Platinum Scholarship because of your superior performance in high school.</p>

<p>The UF Presidential Platinum Scholarship is a $40,000 package awarded over four consecutive years. You will receive $5,000 each fall and spring semester for eight consecutive semesters provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress.</p>

<p>You will be receiving more information in the mail about your scholarship within the next week. In the meantime, if you have any questions or do not receive your letter by next Friday, March 18th, please do not hesitate to ask. *</p>

<p>..Which is staggering. Of course, I'm grateful for free money and it totally made my stress about paying for college lessen, but I'm wondering why I was chosen over friends of mine who are "higher-achieving."</p>

<p>Here are my stats if it helps:</p>

<p>Class Rank: 36/418
Weighted GPA: 4.16
Best ACT Scores:
Composite: 30
English: 34
Reading: 34
Math: 25 (I know, I know)
Science: 31
Essay: 11
Best SAT Scores:
Composite: 1910
Reading: 690
Writing: 630
Math: 590
AP Courses Taken: 8
Honors: AP Scholar, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, National Achievement Scholarship Outstanding Participant
Activities: Leader in Christian Club, Yearbook Copy Editor, Newspaper Co-Editor in Chief, Member of Key Club, Girl Scout for the past 9 years, Museum of Science and Industry Interactor, Sign Language ministry, worked as an administrative assistant at a security company for a year now.</p>

<p>I'm a black female.</p>

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<p>Congratulations! </p>

<p>Hmm, I guess URM might play a big part? My friend who is also black was awarded with it today. </p>

<p>$40k is a lot for a 4.16 and 30 ACT…</p>

<p>Nonetheless, good job :).</p>

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<p>URM or not, CONGRATULATIONS!</p>

<p>10k a year? NICE lol</p>

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<p>Nice. My stats are similar to yours and I got nothing from UF.</p>

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<p>Same here. So there are no more scholarships :(?</p>

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<p>what the f?! I got the presidential platinum last year, and it is only $2000 a semester. and my stats are above that. Did they increase it only for the people getting in this year? THAT IS BULL. I AM SO ****ED RIGHT NOW, UGH. I seriously need that extra $3000, instead of bs loans.</p>

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<p>The scholarship is given to high achieving minorities. The increase to $5000 is great. I guess its to cover all the tuition increases that are planned for the upcoming years.</p>

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<p>Congratulations!!! What’s your major?</p>

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<p>well, do you think they are going to increase it for the people who are already receiving it? that would be totally unfair if they don’t. :(</p>

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<p>glasswright be thankful for what you did receive. You dont know her situation.</p>

<p>Let this be a lesson to future recipients of scholarships not to say a word.</p>

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<p>@lapagan, I’ll be majoring in Journalism. :)</p>

<p>@glasswright, I dunno. I’m not sure if they would…I’m sure that you can check with the Scholarship coordinator.</p>

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<p>@gator4ever, F U, man, you don’t know my situation either. And, I’m sorry, but I don’t see how this is a “lesson” on anything, I asked an honest question about a scholarship that I depend on to be able to afford to go to school and this is a perfectly reasonable avenue for discussions and questions like that.</p>

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<p>Congratulations ayanas.</p>

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<p>glasswright I am sorry you got upset by my comments. Yes you are correct I dont know your situation, and for that I apologize. but dont rain on her parade for winning the scholarship.</p>

<p>good luck to you, I hope you win the lottery.</p>

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<p>good job ayanas! i got one too!</p>

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<p>Congratulations, ayanas ! You should be proud, but I understand what you mean but for a URM you are still great! You still are high-achieving. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I’m a little puzzled as well because it didn’t even tell me what “level” I had. It said I had a 20k scholarship… so I’m guessing bronze? xD I’m in the top 3-4% of my class with a higher GPA (NOT trying to look down on you at all) but my test scores are lower (I stink at standardized testing). I’m half black/Asian so I’m half ORM and half URM lol. </p>

<p>Anyone have feedback?</p>

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<p>Good for you heart.</p>

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<p>The 4 people I know who got it were all African American females o.o…lmao. My stats were higher as well. Oh well.</p>

<p>Good job!</p>

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<p>@heartofcuriosity, I honestly have no idea what the criteria is…I suppose that among the black students at my school (we’re in a predominately white area) I’d rank high, but amongst everyone, I’m average. Most of my friends scored between a 32 and 34 on the ACT, but I suppose that since they aren’t URM, it doesn’t mean anything to UF. <em>shrugs</em></p>

<p>Congrats on your scholarship, though! That’s an incredible amount of money. :)</p>

<p>Thanks to everyone for the congratulations!</p>

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<p>@People with higher stats,</p>

<p>I was just discussing with one of my friends who’s ranked 3rd in our class, 33 ACT, 2000-something on the SAT that I don’t really think that it’s fair. Of course, I’m grateful for my scholarship, but I do think that it is a bit twisted that the only reason that I got it is because of my minority status. If I were white with my scores, it wouldn’t get me anything.</p>

<p>I understand the need for diversity grants and scholarships and think that it’s awesome that they’re giving me this opportunity. I still think that students who are the best of the best should get something as well, regardless of race (including those who aren’t National Merit).</p>