<p>Nightingale, I don't think it is THAT rare. I think it depends on your definitions. A number of schools have specific programs for their best applicants. Vagelos at Penn. Brown has something. Colgate has Alumni Memorial Scholars. A number of schools with very limited merit aid - like Hamilton and Scripps use better "need" packages for their scholarship winners who also have need. </p>
<p>I will continue to trumpet "preferential packaging" because I believe it allows middle class kids to go to colleges they could never afford otherwise. It plus merit aid is why my kid had the great choices she had. I understand that she was at the top of the food chain, but I think the procedures are valid nonetheless.</p>