<p>I got a letter with my financial aid info saying that I am a National Scholar at Brown, which seems to imply that I get a bit of extra aid, even though it goes on to mention that all aid is need based. Is this why my aid is surprisingly good? Does anyone know anything about this? Are there any other National Scholars on CC? (There are only 56 of us.) Are you planning on going to Brown?</p>
<p>Hey there, one of my fellow 56 National Scholars! heh. :) I got the impression that the designation merely meant that we were especially needy members of the 2011 class...? Is your EFC fairly low (as mine is)?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure it isn't merit based though.</p>
<p>I could use some money, but I'm positive I'm not one or the 56 neediest applicants... Does this distinction do anything besides entice me to go to Brown because they told me I'm special?</p>
<p>The distinction of National Scholar intrigued us last year, as well, when our son was named one of 48 such students in the class of 2010. We wondered the same thing you are wondering.....but didn't ask the FA office. He is a freshman there now and as far as I know, there was never another mention of it except in that initial FA award letter! </p>
<p>Good luck to you wherever you decide to go......of course we're partial, but Brown is a fabulous place! :o)</p>