The language on the website describing the Patterson scholarship for 2016 seems to indicate that it will be less generous than in the past. They say it will cover tuition, and provide an allowance for room and board, in addition to the $2000 NM scholarship. Has anyone communicated with UK reps lately, and have there, in fact, been changes to the program?
This is the information I received in a late Sept email from the UK Office of Academic Scholarships:
“I just wanted to follow up and send the updated academic scholarship information. The 2016-17 Singletary and Patterson Scholarships will cover the amount of honors level housing (the amount of central halls 1 & 2 - last year the value was $7056/yr - though students can choose to live in any dorm, as this is just a credit to their account) and the basic meal plan (last year the value was $2746/yr).”
Oh great, so full housing. Do we know about the other parts that were previously in the offer…I believe it was a study abroad stipend and iPad?
I do have an e mail into UK, but no response yet
Okay, here is the response. I’m assuming the $200 flex is $200/semester. I wouldn’t call 1 meal a day a full ride. Not bad, but it does appear to be a less generous offer now:
" If you are named a National Merit Finalist and you designate UK as your college choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by mid-April, then you will automatically receive full tuition and room/board for four years of study. The room/board covers the cost of living in a four person suite style room ($3,634/semester) and the minimum meal plan (7 meals per week + $200 flex)."
I recall reading last year from a Mom whose S went to UK on that scholarship that the ‘full ride’ included the minimum meal package then too, so that might not be any different actually.
That is correct, @Skates76, The Patterson Scholarship last year and this year included full tuition and mandatory fees, housing equal to Central I, the 7 meals per week plus $200 flex (as @GoodGrief16 noted), and the study abroad stipend. Two years ago, my daughter did get the iPad, although @GoodGrief16 has a point about the study abroad money and iPad no longer appearing on the website. One quick point about the meal plan – the minimum meal plan is not as big a drawback as you or I might think. I say this after talking with my two college age daughters and their friends. Good luck to you and your family on college applications!