<p>Today, I got my ACT results in the mail (34), and I noticed that it gave stats for the colleges to which I sent scores at the bottom. Stanford University is my top choice, though not the most likely, as their website and all of their literature states that they only give need-based aid, which, when we calculated it, will cover 60-75% of tuition. The ACT, however, says that 7% of incoming Freshmen get merit scholarships, which, although a small number, I believe I might be able to achieve.</p>
<p>Does anyone who applied there know how their merit-aid works?</p>
<p>Thanks,
Stephen</p>
<p>PS- Brief stats: (High School Junior, well above NMSQT Finalist cut in KY, Eagle Scout project in progress, Puerto Rican, straight 4.0 with all hardest classes, leadership, National Team on top 75 swim team, etc.)</p>
<p>I think you’re assuming that a scholarship from Stafford could be applied to the family contribution. It won’t be. It would just reduce your aid.</p>
<p>So…if Stanford costs…$55k</p>
<p>and Stanford says that your family should pay…$30k</p>
<p>then you’d have a need of $25k…which they would cover.</p>
<p>But…if you got a scholarship of - say - $10k, then they would reduce your aid to $15k because $15k + $10k = $25k (your need).</p>
<p>Schools do that to “save” some of their aid money for other students.</p>
<p>If your family cannot afford its “family contribution” then you need to include schools that give such big scholarships that they exceed your need (that is the only way to decrease family contribution). So, apply to some schools that will give you ASSURED big scholarships as your safety schools.</p>
<p>As a likely Nat’l Merit scholar, there are several schools that would give you full or near full rides.</p>
<p>Redroses is correct. At a presentation by several schools, the Stanford admissions director said that there are no academic merit awards at Stanford, but that athletic scholarships are offered.</p>
<p>Hmmmm… I was just wondering about this. What did Staford do with all of the scholarship endowments and legacies that people gave to the school before they adopted their “no scholarships” policy? If someone gave them $1,000,000 to fund annual scholarships for outstanding students of Greek heritage, how are they using the money? (I’m on the board of a foundation, and we either need to follow the donor’s intent with a gift or return the gift or refuse the bequest – we’re not free to decide that even though the donor wanted to support concerts that we think it would be better to support films. My understanding is that the only major exception is if the donor’s limitation was contrary to public policy – such as limiting a scholarship to white students only. Even then, I’m not clear, because I certainly see scholarships designated for hispanic or native american students.)</p>
<p>^ Stanford could still use that endowment to fill the NEED of outstanding students of Greek heritage unless the stipulation were to base the award solely on academic achievement.</p>
<p>I still think that the OP thinks a Stanford scholarship would reduce his family’s expected contribution. It would only do so if the amount exceeded need. That is very unlikely. </p>
<p>However, maybe I’m wrong and he doesn’t think a scholarship could be applied towards family contribution. But if he think that, why would he want a scholarship?</p>
<p>Because everyone hears about how Stanford is one of the best schools, and about how the best schools give really good financial aid. And let’s be honest; nobody wants to tell a kid “well, you COULD get into Stanford, but there’s really no point since you won’t be able to go”.</p>
<p>nobody “wants to,” but a responsible parent sure would. I know many people who have high EFCs that they can’t afford. These people are upfront with their kids. </p>
<p>Yes, the best schools give great FA, but they don’t give great FA to students whose families have high EFCs. </p>
<p>However, if these parents are happy to pay, then what’s this thread about?</p>