Merit scholarship?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Oberlin College
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<p>Oberlin is my top choice...I love everything about it, and with a brother that just graduated and pretty decent grades/ECs, I believe I should be able to get in. What I'm worried about is the financial situation my family is currently in. My father lost his job a few weeks ago, but my parents began saving for college as soon as I was born, and we have enough money saved to sustain our current lifestyles for about 2 years. My parents have told me, before and after my Dad lost his job, that we aren't poor to the extent that we will receive financial aid. My Dad filled out the calculator thing I believe. So, even with my Dad out of work, I'm not sure we'll receive any financial aid (?). It's a bit confusing to me -- I didnt fill out the FAFSA or anything like that, and anyway at this point, colleges wouldn't be aware that he's out of work either because everything was submitted before.</p>

<p>Anyway, sorry for the long back story. My basic question is whether with my stats I will be able to receive ANY merit aid? I'm kind of doubtful but still very very hopeful. My brother (quite unlike me) received $20,000 a year.</p>

<p>About me: Asian female
GPA: ~3.6 or 3.7 (when calculated with my senior year grades) -- I take all Honors/AP and my school is one of the best in the state. Throughout HS I recieved B's in math and sciences.
SAT: 2320 one sitting (750CR, 780W, 790M)// US History 710, Math IIC 760
ECs: Marching band 4 years, Piano my whole life, ART (photography -- I submit a supplement) -- overall decent, not a lot of awards though</p>

<p>My common app essay was about radio/public radio which is pretty Oberlin-y I'd say... (I indirectly mentioned Radiolab too!). My Oberlin supplement was pretty good. Interview was amazing. Yeah....I'm not sure how much info is needed. But anyway, is there any slim chances of me getting a scholarship? I want to go to Oberlin so very badly and I want it to be a viable option financially. Thanks for reading!</p>

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<p>From the stats you’ve provided, you’re a little bit above our averages, so, sure, you might receive some merit-based aid. What you should really do, though, is talk to the financial aid office (or have your parents talk to them) about your unique financial situation. I realize they’ve done the financial aid calculator, but it can’t factor in something special like a recently lost job. The financial aid folks can give you a better sense of whether you’ll qualify for any need based aid, or if maybe you won’t qualify for any this year, but if you might in future years if your dad remains unemployed.</p>

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<p>You definitely should give the financial aid office a call, their phone operators aren’t just phone operators, are really helpful, and they’ll be able to tell you exactly what they can offer and the options you have :)</p>