<p>Thanks xcmom-- I am happy to help. I’m a real fan of CMU- – They do an outstanding job on many fronts and I particularly am impressed with how faculty and staff go out their way to help students and parents address issues. Academics top notch-- social is unique-- it has to feel like a fit for your S or D…it’s a quirky sort of place. It either feels right or it doesn’t… My D is extremely happy at CMU on all fronts…</p>
<p>Let me try to answer your questions on merit/financial aid:
Merit aid is dished out “strategically”…what that means, they go after the best students that they think they can honestly attract to attend the school who will also make the campus an interesting place. There’s many high preforming students-- CMU aims to create a very diverse and interesting student body-- so as an example, they’re going to give money to the 3.7 student who gained a national ranking in a sport, traveled to many countries, etc before dishing out money to a 3.9 student who does nothing but the usual ECs - Math team, Computer club, etc. (not that this is uninteresting or unimpressive- but it’s not unique for CMU applicants- most of whom have done this sort of thing) They also give money if you have a hook–highly academic and promising URM and females in CIT or SCS get money-- hands down. Highly academic means- your child stacks up against MIT, CALtech… I want to be crystal clear so no one is disappointed with my comments— NOT every female coming to CMU CS or CIT is getting money-- the strongest of those females is going to get some serious money. I am less familiar with the arts side of things…my comments address the CIT, SCS and MCS population. I’ve heard but cannot confirm that CS does NOT have to give out merit since it’s in very high demand-- I cannot comfirm that-- but can point to another anecdote…</p>
<p>RPI Is a competitor! My D has a friend in CS who used RPI to garner $10k more in merit from CMU ! We talked to her parents at freshman parents weekend and compared notes o how we both had managed to afford CMU and our particular bargaining for merit. So use RPI to bargain- since you have two weeks to get RPI to give you more money (no harm insulting them if you aren’t planning to attend) you will have more to bargain with at CMU.
Rose Hulman is bargainable institution…! If you get a sweet deal use it on your form.
The link is not yet up…but as SOON as you get the package, get the “request a review” form faxed to admissions. It might help to connect with a specific Adm person directly to follow through on your request. It does not hurt to call personally (IMHO financial haggling is best done by parents – very few 17-18 years old can tackle that). Stress how much the fit is there and your kid wants to attend. Make sure to use the form for a competitor review…there’s another appeal form if your family has had unusual circumstances – high medical bills, recent or anticipated loss, etc. They aren’t going to hand you a full ride if they gave you a half a ride-- but they will throw a few more thousand you at likely…and if that is enough to sway you…it’s worth a try.</p>
<p>Finally-- you must File a FAFSA!! check the “will file my taxes” box in the drop down menue…even with an estimate…you will have to send your final tax documents anyways if your child enrolls…no harm filling the FAFSA unless you have some serious privacy issues…your choice…but it’s there game-- if you want their money-- you have to file at least once.</p>
<p>Everyone posting here is stating it looks like 3 or so days to see the FAFSA pop up on the weblink at CMU. THe other materials – taxes, W2s…that is taking upwards of a month to see on our page.</p>
<p>Good luck with RPI, Rose Hulman and CMU-- all excellent choices!</p>