<p>Call it serendipity, maybe it was just my son's hard work finally being recognized, but there is a new (to me) tactic out there being used by some colleges to enroll the 'best and the brightest'. Some colleges are calling and based on the data you (parent) give them about your student's stats, are making the scholarship offer right there on the phone. While I was amazed when it happened, a few days later there it came in the mail, a beautiful scholarship offer, complete with an application. So be prepared for evening phone calls, and don't hesitate, parents, to take the initiative if son/daughter is not home. </p>
<p>So you may ask, WHAT college and where? I respond, there ARE diamonds in the rough out there. It may not be top tier, but it may be in a top tier neighborhood. And student can always transfer after a year or two if he doesn't like it. Fact is, so many kids are just not settled on their major or what they may want to do the rest of their life when they are 17. It take time. We need more time. And in the meantime, this offer for us is a GODSEND.(And no joke, it's real.) </p>
<p>I just HAD to share this. Have been pulling my hair out the past few weeks with this college search thing.</p>
<p>We will see how this all actually pans out. Son IS interested in the college.
But the point is, I never had this happen with the other 3 kids. I almost have the feeling son was targeted, because of the other type colleges he was looking at. But the offer IS genuine . Almost like a recruitment.</p>
<p>I guess I am amazed at this. We did have some bottom tier schools send literature alluding to great scholarships. During interviews at a couple second tier schools, there were some vague "offers" of scholarships but none were specific or definite.</p>
<p>Me too.The college made it clear in it's letter the offer was contingent on the info. being correct, verified by his transcripts, which it is. I can't really go into any debates about tiers. We have 4 kids, 3 already college educated .</p>
<p>My S got a call from a college admissions office. They wanted to know if he had any questions about the school. I had some financial questions so I asked my S for the phone. I asked the admissions rep making the call if my S had a chance at a merit scholarship based on his stats. He was able to me that he would receive either 9000 or 10,000. My point is that if you get these calls you can ask. I think it lets them know that you are interested in cost as well.</p>
<p>As a side note, my S did not apply to the school b/c my H and I realized this school was not a good fit for S.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot everyone. Stress reliever for sure. Anyone else feeling stressed right now? Applications, visits, interviews, not to mention staying on top of the Guidance office to make sure they actually send out the transcripts and making sure student doesn't forget to send SAT scores.And then there is all the AP homework and the ec's are starting to make their demands. And crossing one's fingers the kid won't muff up the year somehow!</p>
<p>This was an unsolicited phone call. But I do think if you contact one college some others of the same tier or geographic area may be aware and also respond. I've had that happen before.The letter in the mail was printed as an award letter, similar to the award offers one may receive after being admitted.It made an impression.Black and white, right there, no maybe, contingent on the info. being right, that's all.</p>
<p>If this does work out it would be ideal.It's the type of school son is interested in and he has a real chance of playing on their team. We have been having a problem with lack of interest by coaches. Another son was college hunting last year and it's as though maybe the coaches were tired of hearing our name or had this child confused with the other.At any rate, son could play here and he really wants to play. Don't get me wrong, we will STILL have to pay a bundle-room, board, it's not a full scholarship, but it's nice.With the COST OF EDUCATION the way it is, this is a significant perk for anyone, especially if this is something new some colleges are doing. </p>
<p>By the way, error, have college educated 2 , one is college Fresh this year but have his education money earmarked. Thank you again.</p>
<p>What a great thing to happen at this most anxiety-producing time in the application process! He can feel confident that he has a school that wants him and is willing to fund his education, and feel more certain about his odds of being admitted at other colleges as well. Congrats!</p>
<p>He loves it. He gets along well with his suitemates. No midterms yet. I think they come at the end of the month or beginning of November. He thinks two of his profs are "funny." They happen to teach the two most challenging classes he's taking, so that's great. We live close by, so he's been able to come home often, usually at a moment's notice. But we miss his day-to-day presence. We used to have dinner together every day. Head of the Charles is this weekend but the weather does not seem very cooperative. He'd planned on going with some friends, but may be he'll head home instead.</p>
<p>Marite (sorry to sidestep this thread, BHG), a colleague of mine flew into Boston today with her H to watch their D row for UCLA. She was so excited to be going to the Head of the Charles! I hope the weather clears up. Do they ever cancel it?</p>
<p>And BHG, wow, what a great opportunity for your S. I hope that this college will work out for him. What sport?</p>
<p>BHG, congratulations on such good news. DS did receive a very specific award, unsolicited by letter, from a local small school. Contingent only upon completing app. In our case, it was nothing like the type of school he sought in size, location, programs, culture, etc. I just looked it up and was surprised to find it a USN Tier3 (would have expected Tier4). So your experience of one your S would truly like is wonderful.</p>
<p>D also received an unsolicited phone call from an adrep. After answering a few questions about her stats, the adrep told her how much of a scholarship she would get. D has also been getting tons of mail from this college - letters from successful alums, etc. Too bad this one isn't on her list, but D is getting curious!</p>
<p>I'd never heard of this before, but last night I got a call from a college, and after telling them my gpa and sat, they told me that they would give me $20,000 a year. The scholarship offer is in the mail. I've never heard of the college, and very probably won't attend, but it was a nice surprise anyway.</p>
<p>I had this happen to me too! I was on my laptop at the time so I quickly looked up the school while we were talking. I thought it was a scam at first because I wasn't familiar with the school but no it was a decent school. They sent everything in writing just like they said they would too. To bad I wasn't more interested because the scholarship was great.</p>