<p>I wonder how many of the A.B Duke Scholars qualify for need based aid.</p>
<p>Why are you wondering?</p>
<p>Just wondering. I really do not understand what criterias Duke uses in selecting the finalists.</p>
<p>I do not think that this is a concern for the committee... I know someone who is an AB scholar and whose parents are both doctors. I mean, I can't say from experience or for sure that he doesn't qualify for aid, but when I find out that both of a person's parents have the title "Dr.", the first thing that pops into my mind isn't "I wonder how in debt he's going to be after college."</p>
<p>I have a couple of friends who are A.B.'s (and I know someone else on this board is an A.B.), and I believe when considering finalists they don't consider financial need at all. That's the impression I got. They're not allowed to talk about applicants, but it seems like they are looking at the applicant and don't even know/care about the financial situation.</p>
<p>Thank you guys.</p>
<p>anybody knows what really the criterias are used in the scholarship award process? since it is a merit based scholarship, i'd think it is purely based on the academic achievements. any inputs?</p>
<p>That is what I felt. I have seen several students who have better records than the finalists' but were not made the finalists. There must be other criterias other than academics.</p>
<p>I am finalist, and after talking to other finalists here is my impression: 1. Financial situation is irrelevant as I qualify for about 22,000 in aid while someone else I talked to doesnt qualify for any.
2. The selection process is about one thing and one thing only: commitment and pursuit of specific interests. Regardless of test scores, they select those who have truly gone as far as they can in their interests and led others as well. Scores are not given as much weight for AB, its more research, leadership type activities. </p>
<p>That is my overall impression</p>
<p>Some poor students applied to Duke just because of the scholarships. they could have saved some money and energy had they known the criteria Duke uses in selecting the finalists.</p>
<p>wonder123- From what I personally have experienced, Duke is very generous with their financial aid packages. They seem to be very committed to accepting students and helping them come here.</p>
<p>Edit: How are you defining poor? I read it first as without much money. Did you mean it sarcastically as like the 'pity' version instead?</p>
<p>I mean "pity". Duke is doing better than Wash U, who even goes as far as waitlist those highly seeked students. Duke at least has condidence on itself.</p>