<p>I'm very seriously considering applying to Kenyon ED because I've visited a ton of schools and none have stood out to me like a Kenyon. However, I am a very strong student by Kenyon standards and am hoping to get some merit aid. My parents might prefer me to go to other schools over Kenyon on the basis that they might be cheaper and I could get merit aid. If I applied ED, would I still be eligible for merit aid or would it be harder to obtain? </p>
<p>Ok, so I was admitted this year RD and i received a very nice chunk of merit aid, from what I’ve heard though ED students DO NOT get nearly as much consideration. Although the website says you will still be considered I’m pretty sure they’re stretching the truth, because after all if you’re going to say “I’m coming no matter what.” why would they incentiveize you? Apply RD. What are your stats? </p>
<p>Thanks for the info. I have a 2270 SAT (790 critical reading, 780 writing, 700 math). I’ll have taken 11 APs by time I graduate. I’ve gotten all 5s so far except Calc AB, which was a 4. I’m not a math person, but for some reason my counselor thinks I am and so I’m in BC right now, and it’s really not ok… I also have pretty good ECAs (track, XC, honor societies, tutoring, volunteering a lot for the same causes since middle school, etc). My GPA is a 3.92 unweighted, 4.6 weighted (all my Bs have been in math). </p>
<p>I have strong family connections to Kenyon. In the past two years applications to Kenyon have skyrocketed and set new records. This means that things are now less predictable. So, you need to take that into consideration.</p>
<p>I agree that even two years ago you would have been considered “strong” by Kenyon standards. For entering in the fall of 2015, it is difficult to predict.</p>
<p>My advice to everyone about ED, is that you should not apply ED to a college unless you are certain that you can afford it, and that you are willing to pay for it, and that it is definitely your number one choice. This applies to Kenyon too. </p>
<p>My specific recommendation for you is to apply early to Kenyon, BUT NOT EARLY DECISION. Yes, apply before Thanksgiving, but do not apply ED, just early. Too bad Kenyon does not have an “Early Action” option, but it doesn’t. However, if you are a strong candidate and apply early, I think Kenyon just might let you know. This would make it effectively an “early action” situation.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, my connections to Kenyon are not such that I can predict your likelihood of merit aid. However, as a rule of thumb, if you are likely to get merit aid then you probably would not benefit much from ED anyhow.</p>
<p>That was really great advice. Thank you so much for input. 
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<p>So, are you still planning to apply before Thanksgiving, @Erminelove87 ? Kenyon just came onto my radar, and I’ve already applied to a bunch of similar schools and wonder what sets it apart from the others. Also, how tough is it to get a full ride? My academic stats are a tad below yours, and without essentially a full ride (with mostly merit aid), I know I won’t be going. Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>You must apply by December 15 to qualify for merit aid. <a href=“Scholarships & Grants | Kenyon College”>Scholarships & Grants | Kenyon College;
<p>Oh yeah I applied a few weeks ago. Thanks for the heads up though. 
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<p>And I actually wound up applying the Brown ED </p>
<p>Oh? What makes Brown a better choice for you, out of curiosity?</p>
<p>I really liked all the people I met. And Rhode Island. And they have a great cognitive neuroscience major, which is what I am interested in. </p>
<p>But if I don’t get in, I’m still really interested in Kenyon and also Colby. </p>
<p>And a few other colleges</p>
<p>That’s great! My friend is really interested in Brown also. Any advice for her?</p>
<p>According to the following webpage at Kenyon, only about 15% of students receive merit aid. On the other hand, Kenyon claims to meet 100% of demonstrated need.
<a href=“Financial Aid & Scholarships | Kenyon College”>Financial Aid & Scholarships | Kenyon College;
<p>Well I applied to Kenyon, so we’ll have to keep each other updated!!!</p>
<p>@2atm28vacations Advice for your friend about Brown:</p>
<p>Brown likes quirky students who have taken challenging classes and those of interest (they don’t care as much about GPA and test scores as many other top institutions). When offered an interview, s/he should take it and make sure s/he can make her personality and interest clear both through that and the essay and supplements. Also, be aware that Brown is super hard to get into and not getting in doesn’t mean that they aren’t good enough. An admissions officer on my tour at Brown said they could choose a completely different class and still have the same rigor and Brown feeling. Good luck from me!</p>