Merit Aid

<p>My son is an in stater and will be applying to MD by Nov 1st. He has an UW 3.98 GPA, Weighted of 4.67 and has SAT's in the mid 1300's. Took the test again and is very confident he scored much better, mid 1400's. SAT Math 2 of 800 and Physics SAT of 700. Through jr year has taken 7 AP Courses and received scores of 5's and 4's, including 5's on Calculas BC and Physics.</p>

<p>Very good EC's, recommendations, etc.</p>

<p>My question to folks here who have experience with kids of similar profile is, should we have any expectation of Merit Aid?</p>

<p>Given this is my oldest and we are going through the process for the first time, I have no context as to merit aid at Maryland. </p>

<p>He is interested in Engineering, and is also looking at some other great Engineering schools. However, these are all much more expensive options. </p>

<p>Any insight would be greatly appreciated!</p>

<p>Eh from what I hear college park is very hesitant to give out any money, and when they do it isn’t extraordinary. His current SAT scores aren’t putting him in a great position, but his SAT II’s are pretty nice.</p>

<p>I’d say he may get a bit of money as an incentive, but nothing over the top.</p>

<p>Based on our experience, I would predict about $5000 per year. Our son, also instate, had an UW 4.0, 770 math, 720 reading, 800 math subject test, 3 AP’s all with score of 5, lots of extra curriculars and leadership and received $5,000 per year. He was, however, homeschooled so I’m not sure how much of a factor that played into scholarships. That being said, there are LOTS of additional scholarships through UMD and engineering department. Additionally, they are GREAT for internship opportunities. Our son was fortunate enough to land a high paying internship after his freshman year. After his sophomore year they asked him to stay on throughout the year and he can work on some things from his apartment however many hours he is comfortable with. They even bought him a VERY nice computer and other “toys”. He had been contacted by google, microsoft, and amazon for possible internships. While he chose not to persue those for a variety of opportunities, he thinks some of the professors that he got along very well with may have had something to do with being contacted by these companies. While the university itself has given him an ok scholarship, with additional scholarships, his tuition and room & board is covered. He even received a nice check back from UMD after scholarships exceeded what he owed. Overall, he is very pleased with his experience at UMD. While interning both summers, he felt he was much more prepared than interns from other schools. If it matters, he is computer engineering. Good luck to you!</p>

<p>Based on my family’s experience and those of my daughter’s friends (from 2011), I think that with his GPA and SATs in the mid 1400s, he might or might not get a nomination for Banneker/Key, but if he doesn’t, he’ll probably be offered either Presidential or Dean’s.</p>

<p>No promises, of course.</p>

<p>davenmame and Sikorsky, thanks very much for your insight, it is very helpful.</p>

<p>FromMD, I also got your private message. I really appreciate your thoughtful insight. I tried to respond directly to you, but unfortunately, until I have at least 15 posts, I can not send private messages.</p>