I’m considering applying early decision to Swarthmore. I’m also hoping to qualify for the McCabe scholarship if possible.
Will I hear back about my scholarship status and admission decision at the same time? I won’t be applying for financial aid since it can affect my chances (I’m an international student) but I can’t afford the full tuition so I can’t really accept the offer.
Does ED allow you to do this? Am I allowed to accept the ED offer if I get the scholarship? I heard that if you apply FA and the FA offer isn’t close to the expected value you can decline ED offer, but does it work the same with merit scholarships too?
“The McCabe Scholarship is also available to at least one international student, for whom the award meets their full demonstrated financial need.”
Note that “approximately” one international student will get this award. And how do you think they are going to evaluate your demonstrated financial need if you haven’t applied for financial aid?
“If you think you will need Swarthmore College support any time during your four years here, you must submit a financial aid application when you are applying for admission”
“Regardless of citizenship, if you are accepted to Swarthmore, the College will meet 100 percent of your demonstrated need with a financial aid award up to—and including—full tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and transportation. The average financial aid award for international students entering the Class of 2021 was $61,650.”
The fact that Swarthmore is need-aware for internationals is something you are going to have to live with. You need to apply for financial aid. Note that if they turn you down under the need aware policy it is highly unlikely (understatement of the year) that you would have been in the running for the McCabe anyway.
The quoted paragraphs are directly taken from the Swarthmore website.