<p>Does applying before December 10th and indicating an interest in a merit scholarship lower chances of admission? By this, I mean, do admissions officers also consider simply denying the scholarship yet admitting the student or does selecting the request for merit scholarship indicate that admission will only be granted if the applicant is deemed worthy of a scholarship?</p>
<p>yes, you can not get a scholarship and still get accepted. I would apply early for sure! Doesn't harm your chances at all, in fact I'd say it helps them because it shows interest and you'll probably hear back earlier if you apply earlier. :-)</p>
<p>thanks... good to know</p>
<p>I didn't get a scholarship, but my university grant ended up being bigger than a trustee scholarship, so wait it out anyway.</p>
<p>wow, bmanbs2, how did you get hooked up with that?</p>
<p>Low income</p>
<p>Lots of kids don't receive merit scholarships but are still admitted, so definitely apply by the merit award deadline if you have any interest in being considered for a merit award. Have never heard that it lessened your chance of admission--only some of the many kids that apply before the merit deadline are contacted about an interview for a merit award anyway. My S & niece & many of their friends were among those who were sent a letter telling them they were NOT getting a merit award but would still be considered for admission & IF they were a NMF & admitted they would still qualify for the 1/2 tuition NM presidential merit award. Most of them were admitted in March.</p>