<p>So, I know that Vandy did a huge overhaul of their merit scholarship system back in 2008. I was under the impression from their website that there were the three signature programs and a few other smaller awards under that umbrella. However, when I looked at the 2010-11 undergrad catalog (<a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/catalogs/undergrad/UGAD.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.vanderbilt.edu/catalogs/undergrad/UGAD.pdf</a>), it seems as though many more opportunities still exist, including the particularly striking Dean's Select Scholarship? I know it may seem silly to ask but is this still a valid award? I just haven't heard too much about it, and it doesn't seem to be very advertised. But if I don't end up getting the CV scholarship, then this seems like a pretty good possible reward since I am applying to CAS. Anyone know anything about this?</p>
<p>Probably does. But there’s really no use just focusing on one of those scholarships. You submit a generic scholarship application and are considered for most of them.</p>
<p>Oh I know, Vandy is just my first choice and I’ve heard about how competitive the CV scholarship is. Its just good to know that there’s a good potential for substantial merit aid if the applicant pool ends up being ridiculously competitive and I don’t receive CV.</p>
<p>Any reason you’re worried about merit aid? Just curious.</p>
<p>Hahah, I mean we aren’t poor or anything, but Vandy’s COA is quite high. With their 100% need met policy, I think I would get around $20,000 paid for by them if I got in. And it really is my first choice by a mile despite the cost, to the point where I was considering applying ED. How much possible merit aid is available would definitely affect whether or not I apply ED or RD. If it’s a situation where you can only get the signature scholarships or no merit aid at all, then I wouldn’t do it. But if there’s some smaller opportunities available, then I’d definitely consider it.</p>
<p>trollhunter, you should apply regardless. The stats of the admitted class last year shows clearly that the majority of students at Vanderbilt are merit money material–and how that all plays out is so hard to predict. Someone Vandy gives merit to can be overlooked at Wash U or someone that a state school gives top options to can get into Vandy and decide to follow the money at their flagship college.<br>
However since you have no control over outcomes, all you can do is throw in your hat at a variety of colleges. You may be surprised in April. Vanderbilt was at one time at the bottom of my Vandy junior’s final list and is he ever glad he applied and got to know Vanderbilt and Nashville much better before April of his senior year. (very happy with his teachers, peers and with Nashville)
He did not attend his former first second and third favorites where he was also admitted. That said, every college on his final list was a special community in its own right, just as your other colleges besides Vandy will offer great experiences to their next class.</p>
<p>I think your questions about the smaller merit scholarships are perfectly legit and anyone in your shoes would want answers. On this board few partial merit winners have disclosed much about their partial merit awards in the last handful of years. Reality is that you will have to apply blind like everyone else pretty much, and we all wish you the best.</p>
<p>You will make your choice in the end on a gut decision combined with financial fit.</p>