I'm feeling guilty - should I accept or not?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I'm a junior in high school with a 3.99 GPA, numerous national writing awards, varsity soccer player, 800 SAT Writing, 250 volunteer hours as a translator, etc. I'm planning on applying Early Action to Yale next year, and since my family makes less than $60,000 a year, finances will not be much of a problem at the kinds of schools I'm planning on applying to.</p>

<p>Anyway, I was talking to my counselor today, and he offered me this thing called the Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award. If you win, it's a 5,000 a year scholarshop at Wells College. My school's a crappy inner-city school and we don't get any Book Awards, etc., so I was flattered that my counselor offered me this and said yes. He knows I'm planning on applying to Yale, but he thinks I should add Wells as a safety (it's a pretty good school in NY for those who don't know.)</p>

<p>But I've been thinking about it more, and, honestly, I'm worrying that it's not fair that I take this. I mean, I'm never going to go to Wells. For one, it's not selective enough for me, but more importantly it's too small/rural for my liking. I was flattered that he offered, but should I go back and tell him that he should give it to somebody who might actually use it? Would that be snobby or something? Should I just take it and be happy that I got the offer?</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

2

<p>"it's not selective enough for me" I hope that attitude does not show up on your Yale application!</p>

3

<p>If you are sure you wouldn't attend Wells you should decline the scholarship nomination so that someone who might potentially use it would get the opportunity.</p>

4

<p>Um.... I don't see how this is an elitist attitude at all. I think the OP is being very reasonable and considerate. </p>

<p>As for the actual decision, OP, that's for you to make.</p>

5

<p>you should take it since you're probably not going to get into yale</p>

6

<p>You know, the OP can apply to schools other than Wells and Yale.. Even if he can't get into Yale, he can probably get in a number of other schools more selective than Wells.</p>

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<p>People get scholarships all the time - I say forget Wells and apply to a safety you like more and you prob will still get some, if not more, money than wells gives you. Don't apply to a college that would ruin your college experience and isn't giving you a full-ride in the process if it does ruin your college experience. [I sadly hear all the time about people accepting full rides to universities they hate and end up having miserable college experiences but end up saving money...shows that money-hogging will just screw you over]</p>

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<p>^says the future lawyer.......</p>

9

<p>My Counselor gets angry at me when I turn down scholarships....</p>

<p>{Like when the scholarship specifically says for Black Southern Baptists when I am clearly a white atheist} ;)</p>

10

<p>I agree that if you know you don't want to go to Wells, applying for their scholarship makes no sense.
Tell your counselor that you know Wells is a great small college, but that you really want a university atmosphere. Then give him a couple of examples of "safety" schools you are considering. AND be sure to thank him for the opportunity.</p>

<p>Learning how to say "no" gracefully and not feel guilty is a great skill to learn.</p>

11

<p>Gracefully turn down the offer, and suggest some other students who'd be happy to have it.</p>

12

<p>I see your conundrum...you want a Book Award's prestige, but not to take away a spot.</p>

<p>I would FIRST ask your parents about your financial situation, more, to make sure there's NO possibility of you ever going to Wells.</p>

<p>Then, I would ask the counselor if anybody else close to you would actually attend Wells, suggest friends if you want</p>

<p>Then, and only then, not accept. Also, make sure to tell your counselor your appreciation-don't burn any bridges!</p>

<p>PS, I'm '09 too, so good luck Yale EA! wish me luck :P</p>

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<p>What's wrong with saying that a college isn't selective enough for me, Counting12001? </p>

<p>I think I'm going to tell my counselor thanks, but decline it. I realize my chances of getting into Yale are slim, but I'm also applying to places like Georgetown, WashU, and Northwestern, where my chances are a little better. I assume (I know, I know)that I'll be able to get into at least one of those schools with my stats. Wells doesn't look like a fit for me in any way, even though $20,000 would be nice. It's just the first scholarship offer I've gotten, and I was a little dazzled by the numbers! </p>

<p>Thanks for your suggestions and, Anon_Person, I hope I see you at Yale in a few years! Haha, I wish...</p>