My D is completely set on applying to Rice on ED as it is her clear first choice. Based on her particulars, she should normally be in range of consideration for merit aid. OTH, I am a little concerned that by applying ED, she will forfeit any chance at merit as Rice would have no incentive to offer it to get her to come. If she applied RD I suspect that she would have a better chance of merit. Does anyone know of others who have applied ED and been offered merit?
Merit money is a recruitment tool. If a trapper already has the prey in the bag, then he doesn’t need to dangle bait.
Rice actually has a scholarship they’re offering this year that’s only awarded to ED applicants; I think it’s called the Lonestar Scholarship or something. Suffice it to say, applying RD probably won’t improve yr. chance of Merit but it will allow one to compare merit scholarships.
My daughter applied ED to Rice, and was awarded two scholarships that total nearly $100,000 over four years. So yes, its quite possible to receive a substantial merit award in the ED round. She is currently enrolled at Rice.
@GMTplus7 is not necessarily right. There’s definitely no evidence that Rice does that, and in fact they list their specific scholarships online, so you can see what your child may qualify for! All applicants are considered for all of the merit scholarships (besides the Lone Star one as @DressingIron pointed out).
But this is the important part, so all caps: ASK THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE! They’re the only ones who know, and they’d be happy to tell you!