Chances at Merit Aid

<p>My son recently got a letter advising him that he got a $2000 a year renewable merit scholarship through the Engineering School. This was in addition to his Chancellors Nominee Scholarship that I mentioned in an earlier post. Everything helps especially since he is an out of state student and this puts his bottom line cost on a par with his home state's flagship university which he also has applied to but is not enthusiastic about attending.</p>

<p>I received a $2,000 per year scholarship through CAS. </p>

<p>1400 SAT 4.0W/3.85UW Rank 13/270</p>

<p>Decent EC's, recs, essay. I'm also an in-state applicant. The letter invited me to apply for the Chancellor's Scholarship; should I even bother to apply?</p>

<p>What have you got to lose? On a related note: Does anyone know if Pittsburgh favors instate vs out of state when it comes to the actual winners of the full ride scholarship? I do agree that the final number is actually quite low. Starts at like 800 invites, 650 responses, 100 invited to interview, 10-12 chosen?</p>

<p>I'm not sure, but the people I know who got it were out of state.</p>

<p>We are OOS and did not get an interview, much less a scholarship. No matter, D's a freshman and doing great. She did get one of the enrg scholarships tho' in addition to full tuition honors. We met an OOS guy who actually got the guaranteed med school and he didn't get the Chancellors either! Who knows who they pick?</p>

<p>I agree with you, mercymom. It's hard to understand how Pitt makes the $ determinations... Maybe majors has something to do with it, as well as demographics? And if a lot rides on the essays - it becomes a matter of chance; i.e., who's reading them, and if there's something that impresses the readers...Nonetheless, just to be nominated for the Chancellor's is an honor, I think, considering all the fine students Pitt is attracting.</p>

<p>Yea I was ranked 2/550 at my school with other solid stats and I recieved not a cent in scholarship. Regardless, I love it here because of all the educational opportunities to take advantage of.</p>

<p>Wow venom, nada? That seems just wrong! Are you in state or even local? Do you have any interesting or valuable hooks? The more I read, the more confused I get about their merit aid process.</p>

<p>I had plenty of extra curriculars I was in varsity soccer, Club Soccer, President of National Honor Society,in scholastic schrimage, chess club, back stage crew, math tutoring lab, track, Biology Olympics with regional medals. 790 Biology sat II 5 on Biology AP, Biology Award for my school so I guess Biology would have been my hook. So I'm just as confused as you are. I really don't know why I didnt get any money, but I maintained a 4.0 this semester and am working in a lab doing research so I think I am going to inquire to see if theres any way for them to look at me again. I am in state tho 5 hours from the university.</p>

<p>For those of us whose kids have received some amount of aid - we're fortunate... There many deserving students out there, and sometime I think it's just a matter of timing (i.e., applying early), showing up at one of the school's events for prospective students (i.e., demonstating interest), and hoping that whoever is reviewing the application is in a good mood! I know we waited more than a month after acceptance to get a letter about merit aid while others found out much sooner....</p>

<p>venom,
My son was in the same boat as you were. Awsome credentials but limited or no merit aid. He also has 4.0 after 3 semesters. He plans to apply for departmental scholarships, as well as through membership in a professional organization. That might be something you can consider, too. (PS - we are in state too...probably they try to draw in excellent oos students who might go elsewhere)</p>

<p>Thank you for the ideas they are very much appreciated.</p>