<p>I agree it's harsh, but darn it, it's a harsh world out there. Too many students, and parents I guess, have not figured that out yet. In high school, kids get away with lots of half-baked stuff and are protected from the consequences.</p>
<p>Merit scholarships have quid pro quo built in, and usually plenty of warning and a second chance if they are in jeopardy.</p>
<p>A kid who qualifies for a merit scholarship by definition has the talent to make the grades required to keep it. If "many factors" prevent that talent from being adequately focussed and applied, why should the school keep paying?</p>