<p>Boston University has been at the top of my list pretty much since I started the college search process, but it is EXPENSIVE! My family is middle class, but I know I won’t get need-based aid; I’m not even going to bother with the FAFSA. Therefore, the only way I might be able to attend BU is with a merit scholarship. Here are my stats:</p>
<p>35 ACT
National Merit Semifinalist (still in the finalist competition)
4.0 unweighted GPA/ Valedictorian (at a small public school, although I have attended other, larger high schools and was still at the top)
Varsity athlete in freshman and sophomore years
Various other EC’s, although I haven’t really maintained a commitment with any of them, since I’ve moved so much</p>
<p>I want to study Electrial/Computer Engineering. Of course I’m also considering public universities (Oklahoma and Texas), which would also be good, but my first choice is Boston. </p>
<p>My test scores/grades are pretty good, but I haven’t exactly been the most involved high schooler. The brochures I read constantly downplay the importance of test scores and stress EC’s and achievement, but then my counselors tell me standardized tests rule the world. So i’m totally confused.</p>
<p>Will I qualify? Any help/advice/experience would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Are you saying you will be the Val upon graduation next year? How do you know already?The BU website is very clear as to the expected scores for merit aid and it does seem to be geared toward the middle class kids that do not qulaify for need based help. Check out the site or search this forum for that topic.
As with any school, if you wish to attend show interest and make it known that you are interested in merit aid. I think scores and grades are more important than acticvities when you are applying to a large school and for merit aid.</p>
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<p>I'm not even going to bother with the FAFSA.>></p>
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<p>Actually at BU...(at least this was true for DS who received merit aid) students must fill out the FAFSA and Profile as entering freshmen, even for merit aid. They do not have to do these forms for merit finaid renewal (until last year, the FAFSA was still required for merit renewal..but not the Profile. That changed the 2005-06 year for the upcoming year). SO...check VERY carefully. You may be required to do the FAFSA and Profile (and send in two years of tax returns) for any aid at BU. Also....my humble opinion...do the finaid application forms. First of all, YOU don't know what you may or may not qualify for. Second, you will at least get an unsubsidized Stafford Loan which you won't be offered without the finaid forms. And third and most important...it's good to have those finaid forms on file JUST IN CASE there is some kind of financial issue during your school year like parent loss of employment or very high medical expenses for an ill family member...or some other extenuating circumstance that may require you asking any university to review your finaid situation. I can tell you that if you have a family crisis, the last thing you will want to do is complete these forms at that time. Better to have them done when you apply to the school.</p>
<p>Check this link for info on the merit scholarships. There is also a TRustee scholarship that is full tuition and several others that you'll see on the left. Click on each for stats averages. For most you do not need to do anything other than you would for your regular application but there are others that have additional requirements like an essay.</p>
<p>Two yrs ago our s did NOT have to fill out any FAFSA or PROFILE unless it was for the Dean's scholarship. (10k) But this link should explain if that is still true-- but from what I can tell the DEANs and Founders are still the only one where you need a Profile or FAFSA since it is for merit but they take need into consideration so it would maybe go to a middle class student over a billionaire if they had the same stats.</p>
<p>If you get the full or half tuition one (half is University Scholarshiop) it goes up each year so its always half so long as you maintain the GPA requirement. Search this CC BU forum for previous threads on this topic. Good info there from last years class.</p>
<p>aero911: From the website information it appears that the Trustee scholarship is ridiculously difficult to get. It may be easier get admission to Harvard!</p>
<p>If you are going to be a national merit finalist BU will give you half tuition. But Oklahoma State will give you full tuition, and about 7500 dollar per year cash for other expenses (housing, book, food, whatever). That is a good deal. But you have to decide your first choice school now (BU or Oklahoma).</p>
<p>thumper1, as the mom of an aid recipient, do you understand what is meant on the website that it's for students who demonstrate little or no need and whose ability to pay does not far exceed the cost of attendance? Can you quantify this? Also, from your daughter's experience, what kind of high school stats are truly needed? If an applicant has the stats posted on the website, is that just a starting point for consideration?</p>
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<p>as the mom of an aid recipient, do you understand what is meant on the website that it's for students who demonstrate little or no need and whose ability to pay does not far exceed the cost of attendance? >></p>
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<p>This means that whatever scholarship they are referring to is given without demonstrated need, and where the family's ability to pay does not FAR exceed the cost of attendance.</p>
<p>My son (not daughter) has a music performance merit award. The basis for this award is different than most of the merit awards given at BU. It was completely based on his audition to the music program. It is renewed based on continued performance within that program. So...I'm not the best source on merit aid in general. All I know is what forms he needed to complete...or not complete....as contingencies of his awards.</p>
<p>My S's merit scholarship is for CAS. He did not have to do anything other than complete the standard application to be considered. Unless its changed, and this is such an important area that you may want to call BU for info, is that the Dean's scholarship, while for merit, takes ability to pay into consideration-- to wit: if you earn enpugh that you do not qulaify for financial aid you may have a better chance if it still is considered a stretch to pay out of pocket. In other words if you earn 150K a yr you have a better chance over a family earning 350K. But that not absolute since they may want the 350 K kid more. </p>
<p>My understanding is that all other merit scholarships are given on merit alone with no consideration to your family finances this includes the full and half tuition scholarships. I think the merit averages are just a data point they do not mean you are guaranteed money if you fall into that range or that you would not get any if you didn't however being at the higher end is always a plus and its important to let BU know that if offered admission you will accept. As a rule of thumb I've heard that the top 10% of candidates are offfered merit aid but that may vary considerably since that statistic may be different for Comm vs Eng.</p>
<p>My S's merit scholarship is for CAS. He did not have to do anything other than complete the standard application to be considered. Unless its changed, and this is such an important area that you may want to call BU for info, the Dean's scholarship, while for merit, takes ability to pay into consideration-- to wit: if you earn enough that you do not qualify for financial aid you may have a better chance if it still is considered a stretch to pay out of pocket. In other words if you earn 150K a yr you have a better chance over a family earning 350K. But that not absolute since they may want the 350 K kid more. </p>
<p>My understanding is that all other merit scholarships are given on merit alone with no consideration to your family finances this includes the full and half tuition scholarships. I think the merit averages are just a data point they do not mean you are guaranteed money if you fall into that range or that you would not get any if you didn't however being at the higher end is always a plus and its important to let BU know that if offered admission you will accept. As a rule of thumb I've heard that the top 10% of candidates are offfered merit aid but that may vary considerably since that statistic may be different for Comm vs Eng.</p>
<p>My S was a NMF & didn't get any money from BU because he didn't list them as his 1st choice by 2/1. He did get in with good merit money at several other schools & is a happy freshman at USoCal, where he got renewable merit 1/2 tuition + other merit scholarships.</p>