<p>Daughter (33 ACT, 2270 SAT, 3.7 uw at rigorous private, excellent EC's, very active in Presbyterian church, could do sports at D-III) is strongly considering Davidson if she receives their Belk Scholarship. It seems like a great program, but I would appreciate anyone's insight who might have been, or has a child who is, a recipient. Also, would like to hear from anyone who declined the offer and the rationale. If not Davidson, Cornell or Princeton would be her first choices.</p>
<p>We have family friends whose son received a Belk Scholarship -- he's currently a Junior. Don't know much about the process, but it's obviously a great deal! He was big into debate in HS, and if I remember correctly, someone from Davidson approached him at a tournament and encouraged him to apply. He was accepted into several honors programs at other schools, but is very happy at Davidson.</p>
<p>
" Belk Scholarship Selection .The John Montgomery Belk Scholarship, Davidson's premier Special Nomination Award, is designed to recognize, reward, empower, and inspire the finest high school seniors in the country by providing them with an unparallelled college experience and with extraordinary international study and travel opportunities, thus educating them to lead lives of leadership and service.</p>
<p>Ten students in each Davidson entering class will receive:</p>
<p>comprehensive funding (tuition, room, board, and fees) for each of their four years at Davidson, and</p>
<p>two $3000 summer stipends over the course of four years to pursue opportunities in international travel, study, and service.</p>
<p>Scholars enrich their Davidson experience -- and the life of the college -- through community service projects, academic collaborations, and leadership development.</p>
<p>Examples of scholars' activities include:</p>
<p>Habitat for Humanity and other volunteer work
Joint research projects with faculty members
Internship positions
International conferences
Service abroad
Musical and dramatic performances
Student Government
Student publications </p>
<p>In short, Belk Scholars participate in and leave their mark upon every aspect of life at Davidson."</p>
<p>Ten . The odds of this happening for any particular student ain't that good. Makes Cornell and Princeton admissions seem like Montana A+M (at Kalispell. Not the main campus at Butte.)</p>
<p>The OP's D has great stats and I'm sure commensurate EC's , essays, and rec's. She should be congratulated on a fine record. But there will be a large number of kids who will apply hoping for this scholarship with similar records of accomplishment. They are the kids who also apply hoping for great merit aid at Duke, Chicago, WashU, Emory, Vandy. In fact some apply to all of those and many more.</p>
<p>I do know of someone who received the Belk; she was also contemplating a full freight scholarship at another school, too. She ultimately decided on Davidson and the Belk, loved the school when she visited, and was really looking forward to this year. I gather she's been very happy. The mother posted on CC for a while, but don't think she's on here now. I'll send her a note, and maybe she can send you a pm.</p>
<p>Curmudgeon, thanks. I sure know it's not an easy award and she will be one of hundreds hoping. Jack, thanks for the further help.</p>