<p>How is the merit aid at Whitman. I understand there is some, but can anyone elaborate?</p>
<p>Hi Redpoint, Whitman offers need-based grants and merit awards. Their website says that 80% of students received some type of aid, but Whitman does not meet 100% of need. Stafford loans and work-study are included in financial aid packages to cover gaps. Merit awards very from $6,000 to $12,000. They do give other scholarships for strength in leadership and possessing particular talents that can add up to substantially more. Merit is offered to students who have been high academic achievers in high school. I think it’s safe to say that to receive merit aid (at most colleges) the student should have grades and test scores that place them in the top 25% of admitted students for that institution. You can check all those numbers in the Common Data Set on the website.</p>
<p>Schools can give a mix of need and merit aid, so if your need is greater than the merit cap of $12,000 per year, need-based aid will be determined by the CSS profile that Whitman applicants are required to submit. There may be more specific information useful to you on their website. Best of luck and Happy New Year!</p>
<p>Great answer! Thanks so much for the details, and Happy New Year!</p>