Any suggestions for merit at larger public universities for a student with gpa < 3.0 and act >29
Which “larger public university” are you asking about?
In the vast majority of cases, merit award is based on a combination of a certain GPA threshold AND a SAT or ACT score.
A <3.0 GPA would likely not make this student eligible for merit aid at most college. This means the performance is actually below a B average.
My daughter got lots of merit ($20-30K) with a sub 3.0 GPA and a 31 ACT. She had a 2.9uw and a 3.7w. However she applied to mostly LACs (Allegheny, Dickinson, Gettysburg, St. Lawrence, Susquehanna, SIena)
What about UMaine? She’d pay your instate uni tuition there.
@“eastCoastMom!”
Is >3.0 your kid’s weighted GPA?
How much above 29 is the ACT score.
@taverngirl many schools use weighted GPA especially of that is what is reported on the transcript…therefore, your kid’s GPA was likely viewed as 3.7 which is way better than <3.0
I really appreciate @thumper1 and @taverngirl for your quick response to my post. I am bad about logging back in. I have benefited tremendously from College Confidential over the past year as I stressed over what my son’s options would be. Both of you, as well as a couple other posters in particular, I plan to give a shout out to when I have good final news. College Confidential albeit not perfect, is really a terrific resource in terms of content, emotional support and a good reality check. This post (which was my first) was a panicked reaction when I realized that despite the 29 ACT, even at less selective schools, his gpa would disqualify him for merit consideration. I know firsthand, classmates with significantly lower test scores and lower gpas are getting merit to the tune of 30k from small, private schools. Many of these were on my original list. It became crystal clear that smaller, private schools which would have more flexibility in terms of merit consideration are not a good fit for him. The test score seems to get him accepted so my current [obsessive] thought is, if he isn’t going to receive merit anywhere, and we will be full pay, perhaps we should have set the bar higher in terms of the large publics he applied to. We are coming down to the wire in terms of application deadlines so I’m not sure if I should encourage him to send out a few more apps. My son feels very good about a school we saw this Monday. The admissions counselor actually came down in person before our tour began to tell him he had been admitted. She said 'your test scores are very strong but because of your gpa, you were awarded 8,000. I have taken to heart and do believe the saying I’ve read on College Confidential that our kids will bloom where they are planted…the tension in the air is more about the gardener (me) lol. Thanks again to those of you regular folks out there who take the time to share your insight and knowledge. Once we have locked in to a decision, I too will share my specifics in the spirit of helping those who come after.