<p>I don't expect need-based aid, and the NPC reflected only merit-aid. The merit offer my son received is significantly less than what the NPC said (like 1/3)... and I went back and re-entered everything. How accurate should I expect the NPC to be?</p>
<p>I don’t think the NPC includes merit based (scholarships). I think it is just need-based including self-help (loans and work-study).</p>
<p>I guess I will try it again.</p>
<p>I think it does include merit based scholarships. In the list of awards provided in the NPC, you’ll find an award entitled “WPI scholarships” which I think is merit-based.</p>
<p>I went back in and see the merit questions now. The NPC gave my son $0 for merit when, in reality, he was awarded $10k. He did the supplemental scholarship essays. I guess we should be thankful for it.</p>
<p>If the need based ends up as $9k as the NPC predicts and the scholarship is $10k we still have a huge gap. I was hoping to pay $25k/year. But this still leaves another $15k per year. I guess I should not fret until I see the actual need based award.</p>
<p><em>Taps foot and waits impatiently</em></p>
<p>GamerGal27, would you mind sharing your son’s stats? What was his SAT and GPA?</p>
<p>Sure.</p>
<p>Major: Game Design: Programming path
GPA: 3.8 UW, 5.3/5.0 W
ACT: 31
APs: 7 classes including BC Calc and Physics</p>
<p>ECs:</p>
<p>JV Tennis Fresh/Soph (Singles Starter)
Varsity Tennis Junior/Senior (Singles Starter)
Treasurer: Key Club (and all the community service that goes with it)
Violinist: Sinfonia (Highest level orchestra- first violin): Secured place on Illinois District orchestra through competitive audition
Piano
Math Tutor
Bowling League</p>
<p>I think one of his hooks is that he has a profound hearing loss in his right ear. His Common App essay spoke about how this impacted his academics in middle school but halfway through Freshman year he decided to become a role model and work harder: he upped his GPA and started taking AP classes. He really took off.</p>
<p>The other things he did was submit the supplemental scholarship essays (although he was so tired of writing essays) and he submitted a game portfolio (not requested but he submitted it anyway) which included some music he composed as well as several 2D games he created.</p>
<p>Lastly, we flew all the way from Chicago and attended an open house which showed interest. No one out here in the Midwest has heard of WPI so he is a rare bird.</p>
<p>Well, I feel like he deserved much more than 10k in merit scholarships. He seems to be a very well-rounded applicant with really good stats.
Anyway, wishing your son all the best for the need-based aid.</p>
<p>I thought it was skimpy too. I was hoping for at least $15k. If it comes down to it I may ask for a review. It all depends on what USC does as that is his first choice.</p>