<p>I have a question for anyone who goes to University of Puget Sound or who was accepted and offered merit-based aid: what is the highest amount of merit-based aid you've heard of UPS offering?</p>
<p>I REALLY want to go to UPS and have grades and scores that should be able to get me in, but my parents say I can't go unless I get at least half-tuition in scholarships, which I fear I may not be able to do. The sad thing is that my parents are in an income bracket that would get me very little financial-based aid, and yet there's little money for college...</p>
<p>If you could answer the above question for Whitman and Willamette as well, I 'd greatly appreciate it.</p>
<p>I'm kind of depressed about this, so any news will hopefully be good news.</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know of any scholarship opportunities that are not huge and therefore extremely hard to win?</p>
<p>I know of kids who have received merit awards at each of the schools you mentioned. Willamette automatically considers students for merit aid when they apply to college; I believe the other two schools may as well.</p>
<p>Many schools do not give HUGE merit awards, but it always depends on your credentials compared to those of others the U is trying to attract. Getting a 1/2 tuition scholarship could be particularly challenging if you're not in the top 25% of their applicant pool in terms of grades & test scores.</p>
<p>Since it sounds like money is a big consideration, please think about going to an in-state school where you can pay resident tuition or go to a school that has a cooperative agreement with your state, like the Western Undergraduate Exchange program (WUE), which gives a substantial tuition discount for residents who are selected for the program. Another option of course, is to go to community college & then transfer once you've completed your basic requirements & are firm on your major, saving lots of $$$.</p>
<p>Much of the best merit aid comes directly from colleges you apply to but are tied to the school that accepts you.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice... I'll definitely look into the WUE. Otherwise, I'm gonna do my best to start raising money via scholarships... I really have my heart set on going to the Northwest.</p>
<p>Many, many scholarships, those given by colleges and by outside sources, consider need. Bottom line is that if you don't have top stats or socioeconimically disadvantage, scholarships are few are far between.</p>
<p>Things change every year with some schools. When we looked at UPS four years ago the story was "we don't believe in merit based aid." OK fine, C Ya.</p>
<p>Look at all the NW LAC's and you'll find somewhere that will provide you a combination of aid and tuition to float your boat. Mine are at Linfield and Willamette and both recieved generous merit based aid. Spend the application fee for some of these places, it's money well spent to see what offers you'll get.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! I appreciate your advice a ton! Well, to give a little more info, I am a caucasian male (though 1/4 Mexican) from Colorado, with SAT CR 730 M 620 W 740 and ACT Comp.32; Lang 36, Math 28, and writing 10(/12), GPA UW 3.93, W 4.63. I don't know if these constitute "top stats", bobby100, but I hope they give me a good chance.</p>
<p>Opie, the more I hear about Willamette, the more I love the idea of possibly going there-- I'm glad to hear that they're really generous.</p>
<p>mom58-- thanks for the advice... that's what I'm planning on now</p>
<p>Thanks to all of you! I think I'd be lost without your guidance.</p>
<p>Don't overlook independent scholarship funds that may be available locally or in relation to groups you or your parents may be affiliated with--eg: church, fraternal organizations, local clubs, business organizations often have scholarship monies in small (occasionally large) amounts for students who are motivated and do the work of writing essays, etc. Your school should have info on these and I'm sure there are online search engines (beward of anything that wants you to send money). I know of kids who've some up with useful amounts of money to help bridge the gap, at least for a first year--and once you are in a small liberal arts school will usually find other ways to help make it possible to stay. I'd write to schools like Willamette and Whitman and ask for more information on what might make them affordable. Most NW schools are looking for students outside the northwest and for elements of diversity you can bring (not just in the ethnic sense...) good luck</p>