<p>I just got an email inviting me to apply for the Presidential Fellows Program at Bucknell, which is a “by-invitation-only” scholarship/“Honors” program. The email text includes this: </p>
<p>“The strength of your application materials suggests that you may be interested in such an opportunity. While the Office of Admissions cannot yet make you an official offer to join the Class of 2017, I am confident that you would enjoy the exciting, highly personal and academically rewarding experience of being a Presidential Fellow.”</p>
<p>Does this mean that I am admitted? Would they send such an application/offer to a kid who was going to get rejected? Is this somewhat of a likely letter?</p>
<p>You might want to read through this thread from last year. Definitely appears to be a likely letter! I understand that most of the Presidential Fellowship scholarships are need-based. You can get more specific info about the program at bucknell.edu. Good luck!</p>
<p>This thread inspired me to ask my D if she got the e-mail. Turns out that she did! I don’t think she is very excited about coming up with another essay in 10 days but I pointed out that $20,000 per year is a darn good part time job (since they are expected to put in 5-7 hours per week on the research project) and that we would contribute to her spending $ if she got this. Since much of these seems to be based on merit, I don’t have high hopes but still…</p>
<p>momofzag - it’s even better than you think. The $20,000 per year is a gift, if you will. Then they also get paid for the hours they work on their research project, just like they would if they had a work-study job, but they are doing interesting work instead of washing dishes in the cafeteria! Please encourage your daughter to apply. My son has this fellowship and has had the most amazing opportunities working with his mentor professor this year.</p>
<p>Benreb: That sounds amazing. Also, correction to my earlier post, I meant I don’t have high hopes because the scholarships seem to be based a lot on financial need (and I don’t think we will qualify for much if anything in that regard).</p>
<p>Does anyone know if kids who don’t make the cut for the Presidential are considered for the Dean’s Scholarship ($10,000 a year instead of $20,000)?</p>
<p>My D is also a finalist for the Arts Merit Scholarship, which she is incredibly excited about, but that is not nearly as much $. Still, keeping our fingers crossed and we will know in just a few weeks on that.</p>
<p>Grant and scholarship money that you do not have to pay back to the university is a good deal, and Bucknell wants scholars and committed students. Don’t look at any essay that you have to write for Bucknell as a chore…when I applied back in 2006 (Class of 2011) I wrote every essay and then some and was pleased with the scholarship money I received. In the long-run I know it eventually helped me get into med school and because of the great education I received at Bucknell-I climbed the mountain and was admitted. Bucknell ultimately is about people–and you won’t find a place that is more committed to people (IMHO) than Bucknell. Although I was a Bio major-I know the Arts Merit Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity-go for it! 'ray Bucknell!</p>