Merit Aid Appeal

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hi everyone. I would like to appeal a Merit Award from a specific state university. Here are my questions:</p>

<ul>
<li>Is it better to have my DS do the appeal directly?</li>
<li>Will his senior grades be factored into the appeal (they won't help his case!)</li>
<li>If in fact point #2 is factored into the equation, could that draw unnecessary attention to the award and possibly have the original offer rescinded?</li>
</ul>

<p>As always, your help on a recommended approach is appreciated.</p>

<p>psufan</p>

2

<p>What is the basis for the appeal?
Do you have some evidence of high achievement that you believe was not considered in the award?</p>

3

<p>If his most recent grades “won’t help his case,” what’s the basis for the “appeal?” If he is now a weaker candidate than when he was awarded the scholarship, why would/should the school increase his award?</p>

4

<p>Most schools have specific criteria for awarding a merit award. If your son’s current grades should not be brought to the attention of the school, why would you think his award should be INCREASED. Most schools will only consider increases to merit awards if the student achievement out does previously submitted data. For example, DD didn’t receive a merit award from one school because her SAT score was 20 points shy of their criteria. They told us to send them updated SAT scores IF her scores increased to the point where she could be considered for this merit award.</p>

5

<p>Merit awards are rewards for high achievement. Does your son deserve the honor, or are you just hoping for more money? If his senior grades are going down, it doesn’t seem like he’s the high-aiming dedicated student that the school is trying to attract with merit money … or can you appeal for more needs based financial aid?</p>

6

<p>*I would like to appeal a Merit Award from a specific state university. Here are my questions:</p>

<ul>
<li>Is it better to have my DS do the appeal directly?*</li>
</ul>

<p>I don’t think it really matters. Colleges know that financial matters are important to parents.</p>

<p>*- Will his senior grades be factored into the appeal (they won’t help his case!)

  • If in fact point #2 is factored into the equation, could that draw unnecessary attention to the award and possibly have the original offer rescinded?*</p>

<p>What does the school currently have? Did the GC send a mid-year report? Did his GPA drop?</p>

<p>What school is this?</p>

<p>how much merit money has he been offered so far?</p>

<p>Are his test scores high for the school? If he took the SAT, are his M+CR scores high for the school?</p>

<p>If not, what is the reason that you think that school should increase his merit award?</p>