<p>So the deadline for merit scholarships is tonight.</p>
<p>I am not well versed in the financial aspect of college so I am sort of confused.</p>
<p>CMC offers 3 types of merit scholarships and only award them to 20-30 people(it looks like). I don't think I am competitive for any of them given the stats of those who have qualified.</p>
<p>Merit scholarships are different from financial aid correct? </p>
<p>My family doesn't qualify for any federal aid from the FAFSA, but there are some extenuating circumstances to which I probably couldn't afford CMC without any aid.</p>
<p>Does CMC often award aid over the Federal Aid from the FAFSA?</p>
<p>I want to apply ED, but am hesitant to do so if I wouldn't receive a fair amount of aid.</p>
<p>Any comments or help would be welcome</p>
<p>Merit scholarships are completely separate from need-based aid and your demonstrated need won’t be taken into account when you’re being considered for the merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Have you done the net price calculator? It will give you an idea of the financial award your family will receive. You should also compare this with your other schools you are interested in especially before you apply ED II.</p>
<p>I think you’ve missed the deadline now, but ALWAYS apply for merit aid. Meet those deadlines. You never know. It doesn’t mean that you are applying under a specific decision plan to get your app in by the priority scholarship deadline.</p>
<p>CMC uses the CSS Profile.</p>
<p>@lacrossemom Thanks for the advice! I was able to figure everything out eventually. I originally thought that I would have to pay the “sticker price” if I didn’t get any merit scholarships but I can now see that I was mistaken. I can definitely afford CMC if I get a reasonable aid package.</p>
<p>Merit scholarships are based on academic demonstration and other factors like extra curriculars and intended major, unlike aid that is purely need based. For 2 of CMCs 3 merit scholarships, all you need to do to apply is check a box on the commonapp!!</p>