<p>Hi, </p>
<p>I just received an email about applying for the legacy scholarship. I realize that all legacy applicants likely received the same email; I know it's not any indication of whether or not I will be admitted. I was just wondering if it's worth applying for if I don't have any demonstrated need. One of the two primary criteria is "financial circumstance," and I am an OOS student who would not qualify for any need.</p>
<p>My S just received the same email. Do the right thing, as he has done--if no financial need--pass on the scholarship. Let it go to an applicant who qualifies under both prongs of the award--merit and need.</p>
<p>JR, since UVA meets demonstated need and this scholarship falls outside of the UVA financial aid program, why should highly merited students not apply and allow the Alumni Assoc to decide how much weight should be given to "need" vs "merit" ? Does the Alumni Assoc really wish to limit this scholarship to only needy applicants, as you propose?</p>
<p>Here is the quotation taken from the explanation of the criteria for being awarded this scholarship:</p>
<p>"Selection will be based on a
balance of merit and financial
circumstances"</p>
<p>It therefore appears to me at first blush that "financial circumstances" means need. Digging a little deeper, an analysis of the actual application for the scholarship asks detailed questions regarding Adjusted Gross Income and other financial need related questions. Therefore, the need criterion is certainly front and center.</p>
<p>That said, the weighting factor is something that is not specified in the description or the application. </p>
<p>In my humble opinion, if an applicant can not honestly present a case for need, I think the honorable thing to do is to pass on the scholarship.</p>
<p>If UVA meets 100% of a student's need, does that mean that a Legacy Scholarship candidate who received 100% of his or her need from UVa would have to withdraw from the Legacy Scholarship program, since they no longer had a "need"? The "balancing test" is probably in place to give the Assoc the ability to weigh these factors in making its decision.</p>
<p>I do not know that answer. I am not familiar with UVA's financial award packages as S is not applying for aid. Perhaps the details of your question are best directed to the Alumni Association.</p>
<p>I was under the impression that the University does not give merit awards. The Jeff Scholarship Foundation, which does, is separate from the University.</p>