<p>There has been so much discussion about Furman and families expressing disappointment over financial offerings that I felt compelled to present another side to the Furman scholarship issue. My post is not intended to "rub salt" into the wounds of the families that did not receive money but to present another side of the scholarship/aid equation. </p>
<p>My son just received his scholarship information from Furman today and, quite frankly, we are amazed. He was given a music scholarship that allows him to attend Furman for no more than it would cost to attend our public flagship. The beauty of this money is that it is not need-based and, as long as he holds up his obligation to the various playing groups he will be involved in and maintains acceptable grades, he will retain this money throughout his tenure at Furman. </p>
<p>The often stressed fact that schools class-build is evident here. Schools often chose students (and offer money) because they just happened to be involved in an activity that the college is seeking. I never dreamed that my son's decision to ditch the violin at age eleven in favor of the bass (because it seemed "cooler") would lead to the opportunities it has for him. He is a good (usual APs, good high school, etc) but not a standout student. His SAT is good, but would not have qualified him for any of the academic scholarships Furman offered. He is, however, passionate about his music.</p>
<p>Afterthought-S was prepared to go to our flagship state U had this not come through and was happy with that option. I think he would accomplish his goals there as well and know he would have enjoyed an excellent individual lesson teacher there. For my family, affordable college always trumps debt. It is nice he will have a solid program in a smaller setting, however.</p>
<p>Awesome - and congratulations! I’m really glad you posted here as it helps guide me with my recommendations for the school. ;)</p>
<p>No hard feelings from us anyway. My son absolutely loves where he’ll be going as a research U is a better fit for him (even if the money had been equal). Every student needs to find their niche. I’m glad your guy has found his. Furman is a nice school!</p>
<p>Thank you dheldreth. Furman does seem like a great place for him with strong music. I know the faculty/experiences at Furman will be an asset to him as he applies to grad school. He’s now struggling with the whole issue of leaving his current college (even though the whole transfer thing was his idea). Starting over and making new friends will be hard. </p>
<p>Creekland-no hard feeling from my end. When I researched Furman’s scholarships, I learned that they offer monies for a fairly ride range of talents. I feel it is important for families to dig into what a school offers and if their applicant matches up with any the opportunities.</p>
<p>For example, Furman is DI which means they can and do offer athletic scholarships. Most LACs are DIII and cannot give athletic scholarships. So, potentially, a bright young tennis player may be rewarded well with a scholarship. Furman also has a range of “niche” scholarships-art, 3+2 engineering, generous Alden foundation transfer scholarship for community college transfers.</p>
<p>As you know, Furman also has a number of academic merit scholarships. There simply are a lot of high SAT/ACT/GPA kids out there competing for that money whereas there might not be as big of a field competing in field hockey or double bass playing. It seems like specific identified scholarships is where a lot of Furman’s money goes. The array of “niche” scholarships may explain why they offer less grant monies. Many of the top LACs offer no scholarships at all and, instead offer CSS/FAFSA based grant monies. As you have pointed out, grant monies are variable and go up and down with the parental income. The grants-only colleges serve those of limited means well but may not be a good choice for a middle to upper middle income family with and EFC of 25K or more.</p>
<p>congratulations hornet! Furman has a bang up fine music program and an all round strong education to offer. My roommate was a music major and ended up at Northwestern and Columbia for her doctorate and on to a career in college music education for her! celebrate.</p>
<p>Thank-you Momma and Faline2 for the encouragement and kind words. </p>
<p>Furman seems very friendly and the music faculty were incredibly open and encouraging. Hopefully S will be able to make friends quickly. At his current school, all of the kids he has bonded with are music majors and mostly the same year as he. Excited as he is, he is sad about leaving them.</p>
<p>Great schools, Faline that your roommate ended up at. S plans to go to graduate school and sees a career as an academic musician.</p>
<p>We scanned the scholarship letter and sent it to S at his request. He went out to I-Hop with friends at 10:00PM last night and had his celebration. I can’t imagine wanting pancakes at that time of night…</p>
<p>Good for your S! Furman needed bassists this coming year as they did not get any last year due to the fin aid award structure and they needed to class build for the future. Glad they made a good offer to your S!</p>
<p>Hornet-so happy for you and your son that things have come together to attend Furman by now yo now what an incredible music department they have and from musictiwns comments it sounds like he will truly be appreciated in regards to talent with the bass. Our two kids ( graduating in 3 weeks) have several friends who are in various programs within the music department and they are incredibly accomplished and have loved their time at Furman. All the best to your son for a great four years!</p>
<p>Thanks mtwins and gtwins (how neat to have twins). I just talked to S and he is excited about having a music-filled summer at EMF and continuing with his music in the fall at Furman. The faculty were great with him-one of the friendliest schools we have visited in the transfer/audition process. Best to both of you with your kids.</p>