Question about Merit Scholarships???

<p>I've read on the Fordham website that they give several different types of merit scholarships...</p>

<p>for the National Merit Semifinalist/National Achievement one I understand that it is a full scholarship given to kids who scored well on their PSATs & qualified for NM or NA & are also within top 10% of class etc. But I was wondering what about students who did NOT qualifiy for NM/NA because of marginal PSAT scores but did VERY WELL on SATs (better than NM/NA scholarship recipients) & are even higher than top 10% of class etc...</p>

<p>So these kids who may have higher SATs & stats than NM/NA full scholarship recipients but just did not qualify due to PSAT scores & also might not receive Presidential or Jesuit scholarships (just becuase those are SUPER competetive) cannot receive a NM/NA full scholarship??</p>

<p>Thanks to anyone who can clarify!!! I love Fordham & I am just trying to figure out how the whole merit aid system works there. Thanks again!</p>

<p>Its simple. You apply to Fordham and you are considered for merit scholarships. Every application is reviewed for a merit scholarship when it comes in. Both EA and RD application pool.</p>

<p>Who gets the money? That depends of course where you are from, what school, what your stats are, if you are a URM or not. Generally speaking you have to be in the top percentiles of the applicant pool to get the money. Some will be full rides and some will be partial rides. As a rule of thumb, an SAT of 1400 or better (CR + Math) and a gpa of 3.7 uw or higher. </p>

<p>If that doesnt work, then fill out a FAFSA and you may well get a grant in aid if you qualify.</p>

<p>The quick email application they sent was very quick. Is that because we are prequalified? Do you know ACT score they use for a cutoff?
Thanks</p>

<p>I don’t know what ACT score they use for scholarship awards. I don’t know their formula for the process…its just from hearsay that I know in “general terms” what it takes to be offered a scholarship. Scholarships at every college are discretionary. They are not automatic nor a “right.” But if you don’t get one, you may get a grant in aid, through financial aid. That affects a lot of things too. </p>

<p>The cost of higher education is becoming alarmingly expensive. (See the thread on CC about that.) Its a grave concern for families and colleges. Some colleges are cutting back on programs, firing employees and professors and enforcing wage freezes. </p>

<p>I wish you the very best in your search for colleges and a way to pay for it.</p>