Ohio State University Eminence Fellows vs Morrill Scholarship

[mmarieee1925]

So I’m a junior with a 31 ACT and a 3.75ish GPA (dual-enrolled at Kent State and won’t know actual GPA until final grades are released at the end of the semester and my HS calculates it). Just to give you an idea of my extracurriculars, I’m a member of the band, captain of my school’s Academic Challenge team, and a member of National Honors Society. Ohio State is my top choice, and I’ve been looking into the two big academic scholarships. With my grades, GPA, and extracurriculars, is it a better idea to apply for Eminence Fellows or Morril? I’m leaning more towards Morrill, but I’d love to hear advice from anyone who’s currently in either of the programs.

[mommdc]

You have to apply for merit by the Nov 1 deadline. That means send SAT scores and transcripts in the beginning of October to allow them to get there on time.

http://undergrad.osu.edu/cost-and-aid/merit-based-scholarships
Eminence Fellows Program and Scholarship says:

"One of Ohio State’s premier merit awards.

Award amount: Full cost of attendance at Ohio State for four years, plus a $3,000 enrichment grant accessible after the first year of successful study.

Criteria: Recipients typically rank in the top three percent of their graduating classes and have an ACT composite score of 34 or higher or SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math score equivalent of 1520 or higher."

Do you meet this criteria?

Furthermore it says:

"How to apply for Eminence
Applicants must meet our November 1 early action deadline. When completing the admission application, applicants must indicate their interest in University Honors and complete the associated essay.

Within 1-5 days, the applicant will receive an email that acknowledges Ohio State’s receipt of his or her admission application and provides a unique Ohio State username (lastname.#), along with instructions on activating this username and setting up a password.

Applicants must then complete the Eminence application no later than January 15. The applicant’s Ohio State username and password are required. The applicant does not need to wait for an admission decision to submit the Eminence application.

Applicants who 1) are admitted to Ohio State, 2) are offered Honors affiliation and 3) have submitted the Eminence application will be reviewed for this award. The top 75 finalists will be invited to campus to participate in an interview and visit program."

Now for the Morrill scholarship program (MSP) it says:

"One of Ohio State’s premier merit awards, the Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP) offers scholarships and educational enrichment opportunities to academically exceptional students who are actively engaged in diversity-based leadership and service.

Criteria: Applicants should be academically exceptional high school seniors who will contribute to campus diversity and actively engage as advocates and champions of diversity, inclusion and academic excellence on campus.

Award levels: Distinction (the value of the cost of attendance), Prominence (the value of tuition), and Excellence (the value of in-state tuition).

How to apply for MSP
On your admission application, indicate interest in MSP and complete the MSP essay. Be sure to include leadership and diversity involvement on the Activity List. We strongly recommend that applicants meet our November 1 early action deadline. Learn more."

[wally1688]

There’re only 25 Eminence scholarships per year. It’s a crapshot for anyone even with perfect academic credentials. You would have better chance for Morill though.