<p>Hi. I'm a Latino American applying to Vanderbilt, and I was wondering how my URM status will affect my chances for merit aid. Will a person with my otherwise decent stats (2250 SAT, 3.9 UW GPA, top 5% of class) be propelled to the front of consideration for one of their merit scholarships due to my heritage? Please help if ya can. Thanks. -decrescendo</p>
<p>i doubt it, I am native american, so I am an URM also. The difference between Financial Aid and Merit Aid is the Merit. I think you will only be considered based on MERIT, not race. </p>
<p>Vanderbilt provides great financial aid, so money shouldn’t be a problem. I am in a <20000 household and from what I’ve heard they are extremely generous.</p>
<p>Your wonderful stats, decrescendo are pretty much the norm at Vandy now so not all minority students will be recruited for merit dollars. You will find that you can’t do much better than Vandy on need dollars…they are very generous. </p>
<p>You and Polyosophy should put in applications as Chancellor’s Scholars and CV Scholars. I firmly believe everyone with any shot should try for merit dollars. Focus on your potential contributions to the big broad life of an undergrad school of 6000 with students from all walks of life. you just never know! </p>
<p>best wishes for all your college dreams</p>
<p>Faline2 - Alright! Thanks very much.</p>