Big schools that give merit scholarships?

<p>I've read here recently that Alabama gives essentially a full scholarship to students who have a 32 ACT or greater with a 3.5 gpa. Are there any other schools either large or small with that kind of merit award? I understand that schools will frequently make those offers but I'm talking about the "automatic" merit award scholarships at this point.</p>

<p>We are applying with my twin seniors at some top 50 schools and much of where they go depends on the amount of aid/scholarship money they get. Of course they don't want to go to the same schools so there is lots of research going on now for two kids at the same time. </p>

<p>We are looking at some other schools as safeties now for the just in case situation. Please send any info you have to this thread on schools that make this kind of offer.</p>

<p>Hi…</p>

<p>LOL that your twins don’t want to go to the same school…my 2 boys (who aren’t twins) were VERY ADAMANT that they weren’t going to go to the same university…but they did. At big schools, it’s easy to be at the same school as a sibling and yet rarely ever see each other. My boys are at Alabama.</p>

<p>Actually, it’s been a huge blessing to have them both at the same school…easier for move-in day…easier for “Parents’ Weekend”…easier for orientation days (where parents attend)…etc.</p>

<p>I agree with the idea of looking for automatic scholarships. I hate the hassle of competing with 500 other students all trying to get the few big scholarships.</p>

<p>I know that Miss State gives automatic scholarships for OOS students.</p>

<p>May I ask what are your twins’ stats? and what their majors will be?</p>

<p>And, are you basically looking for full tuition scholarships with the idea that you’ll be paying for the room, board, books, etc, for your kids?</p>

<p>One is a boy who wants pre-med studies and loves bigger schools had a 31 ACT and trying for better. Top 15% in a big suburban Chicago area school. 3.9 gpa and rising.</p>

<p>The other is a girl who is into music and music theater. She likes the LAC feel so far. She got a 29 ACT and trying to raise it. She is also top 15% of the same school. Almost same gpa as well.</p>

<p>Both lots and lots of EC’s in sports, music and traveled to New Orleans for Habit for Humanity programs.</p>

<p>Indiana has automatic scholarships. Unfortunately, unless, by saying “near Chicago” you’re actually in NW Indiana…you’d have to pay OOS tuition and that’s pretty hefty. But they give up to $9,000 per year, even to out of state applicants, and that’s guaranteed. Then there can be more on that…Hutton Honors College, National Merit, etc. Your 32 ACT qualifies you, but you must have 3.8 GPA. HOWEVER, they “go by whatever GPA your school sends.” So, with a 32 ACT I assume the GPA you quoted is UW. If your son(s) have weighted GPAs above 3.8, then they’d get the $9,000. But I did just see someone said 2010 tuition increased too. Darn!</p>

<p>Indiana is not generous with OOS students…so if OP lives in ILL, going to any state Indiana school is not going to probably work.</p>

<p>BTW…have your kids taken the SAT? Some do better on the SAT, and some schools only look at Math + CR to figure scholarships.</p>

<p>Do you know what your EFC will be? With 2 at school at the same time…</p>

<p>Well I’m a current senior looking at going to LSU. Here are their automatic scholarships:
Tiger Scholarship: 1170/26 ACT=half off out of state fee | 1250/28=exemption from out of state fee (you pay instate tuition)</p>

<p>Golden Oaks Scholarship: 30ACT/1330 SAT=free tuition</p>

<p>all these are with just a 3.0, so both your kids would get free tuition at LSU (a Tier 1 University).
<a href=“http://www.lsu.edu/financialaid/schlqualifications.htm[/url]”>http://www.lsu.edu/financialaid/schlqualifications.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>But I would like to know of some more, so everyone keep it coming!!!</p>

<p>You may get some good ideas from these old threads started by momfromtexas. She found a bunch of options for her two sons:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/148852-what-ive-learned-about-full-ride-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/148852-what-ive-learned-about-full-ride-scholarships.html&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/291483-update-what-i-learned-about-free-ride-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/291483-update-what-i-learned-about-free-ride-scholarships.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Miss St named Top 20 school for “Best Buy” by Forbes Mag…
<a href=“Newsroom | Mississippi State University”>Newsroom | Mississippi State University;

<p>Miss St also gives OOS students merit scholarships. Here’s a link to their Virtual Tour <a href=“http://www.youniversitytv.com/mississippi_state_university.html[/url]”>http://www.youniversitytv.com/mississippi_state_university.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I know that 5 of S2’s HS classmates opted for Miss St, because their scores didn’t qualify for merit $$ in our own state. Also, many (if not all), received add’l scholarships from Miss St…including the Freshmen Excellence, departmental scholarships, and competitive scholarships, because their scores were higher than the ACT 24 that is minimally required… Miss St. also has NMF scholarships.</p>

<p>Miss St in-state tuition is quite low…only $2600 a semester…so if you qualify for a scholarship that removes the OOS portion, Miss St is quite the bargain.</p>

<p>Miss St also has a fine Vet School for those who are interested in becoming veterinarians</p>

<p>here’s the info…on Non-Resident Merit $$$</p>

<p>Freshman Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship.
Four-year award (eight semesters)
Priority Date: February 1
Award: 100% scholarship for the non-resident portion of tuition
Criteria:
Minimum 24 ACT (1090 SAT) Scholarship GPA of 3.0
Scholarship GPA of 3.0
Excellent leadership and service activities</p>

<p>*May be awarded in addition to the Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship (see below)</p>

<p>Freshman Academic Excellence
Top of Page
Four-year award (eight semesters)
Priority Date: February 1
Award: Starting at $4,000
Criteria:
Minimum 24 ACT (1090 SAT)
Scholarship GPA of 3.0
Excellent leadership and service activities</p>