<p>or do they think just because you're enrolled, they don't have to worry about you anymore?</p>
<p>It depends on the college. I suspect most schools tend toward your latter explanation, though, especially in this economy, unless there are endowed funds specifically for upperclassmen.</p>
<p>Each school has their own criteria. And sometimes it is not called merit scholarship but maybe a research grant or something else. You need to check with your school and department. It is way too specific for a general discussion forum like this.</p>
<p>I know that at our DS’s college there were many endowed merit scholarships reserved for upperclass students. Students should check with their department chair and the finaid office to inquire about these.</p>
<p>I never thought of asking the department chair. Thanks. The financial aid office was pretty vague on the subject, directing us to a list of general scholarships.</p>
<p>I agree. You should check with the department, as there are scholarships that are available only to current students. In my daughter’s case, there were a number of scholarships available; qualifications for the scholarships varied. One of them was for students who worked a number of hours each week in addition to holding a certain GPA (lower than most of the other scholarships). I’m hoping she may get one of these for next year.</p>
<p>Many years ago, as an OOS transfer to UMich, I received a big merit scholarship the second year, on the basis of my junior year grades. Not sure how I would have made it through, otherwise; was getting nothing but loans up till then. (and got a second one to do a summer program after my senior year, too.) Didn’t apply; they just gave them to me. So, you never know.</p>
<p>D was not invited into the honor’s program before her first year. After first semester she had a 4.0, applied and was accepted. That bumped up her merit scholarship by $3500 automatically.</p>