<p>It seems like I’ve seen several mentions of Brandeis awarding students “Dean’s Scholarships” or “Presidential Scholarships,” but they are not shown on the website list that supposedly indicates all available merit aid. What is the real story? If these do exist, does anyone know why are they not on the website?</p>
<p>I believe it does exist. My son was asked if merit money would sway him to make Brandeis his first choice. This would be acadekic merit aid, as Div 3 schools cant offer athletic scholarships.</p>
<p>You hit on the big question. My daughter class of 2012 was awarded a Deans merit scholarship for $15k/ year. She ended up not enrolling. 3 years later we visited with younger D. We had read everywhere that they had a change in policy towards financial aid-- channeling almost all of it to students with financial need only. When we attended an info session, admissions repeated all this. They said straight out, don’t apply if you’re expecting merit aid. We’ve cut it out except if you meet very very specific criteria like residency in Waltham. D was going to apply anyway, but ended up accepted to NYU ED Class of 2016. Fast forward to regular decision time. Out of curiosity I read the posts about Brandeis acceptances and one after another people posted astonishment that they recd merit aid without even applying for financial aid!! The amount of the awards were lower than the year older D applied, and there may have been fewer packages awarded, but they were definitely a lot of students awarded true merit aid who did not expect it…</p>
<p>I pulled up something written at the time Brandeis changed their policy (or claimed to.). It basically said that merit aid really wasn’t successfully bringing more (or higher caliber students) to Brandeis. A lot of the awarded money was not used. Their yield was off despite the money offered. </p>
<p>So to me it seems that they want to “reward” students of a high caliber who are applying without expecting merit aid. I think they expect higher yield among a population NOT expecting merit $ and then unexpectantly receiving it. </p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>We were told the merit amount would be $10-15K.</p>
<p>That sounds right. D was offered $15k for Deans in 2008. Last year Deans was $10k. Sounds like they spoke to you personally about merit. Wonder what they’re saying at general info sessions. </p>
<p>Thinking about Brandeis EDII. Do you think it would mean that no merit would even be considered (no need to because if accepted, definitely attending)? Would RD be better for increasing merit chances?</p>
<p>Thank you epeemom and uskoolfish. My son and I went to their Fall Preview Day yesterday, and they confirmed that there was merit aid, and mentioned figures of “up to 15K.”<br>
To cttwinmom2015, they said that there was no difference in merit awards for ED vs. RD, but, like you, I have a little bit of trouble believing that it makes no difference. Has anyone on here been accepted ED and awarded merit aid?</p>
<p>@Awesomekidsmom, yes, it does seem difficult to believe. Hopefully someone will provide more information.</p>