<p>The “tiers” terminology is misleading. Some of the so-called “2nd/3rd tier schools” are well known and respected in their regions. We could think of them as very good schools with a regional, rather than a national (or international) reputation. </p>
<p>For the OP, if your daughter likes the idea, there’s no downside to applying for a merit scholarship–other than the increased paperwork. Asking serious questions would be a good idea, i.e., not off-putting for the schools offering the scholarships. After all, it would demonstrate your serious interest. If it were my child, I would ask particularly about course placement. If your daughter were to outstrip the language or math offerings, for example, what then? Independent study can be an answer to the problem, but it could be isolating if too many of her courses were independent study. </p>
<p>If the freshman courses were too easy for her, would the school be able and willing to place her in classes with sophomores? And, no matter how intelligent a student may be, transitioning to boarding school can be a difficult process. If her academic performance declined, would she be in danger of losing the scholarship?</p>