<p>Okay, so just to make sure, we DON'T have to apply EA for UNC Chapel Hill to be considered for merit aid, right? </p>
<p>It's just that I was aiming for the EA deadline, but I have been swamped with work, volunteering, and other, more personal, issues that I just haven't been able to put in full effort to my application and essays. The only reason that I wanted EA was because I thought that EA was the deadline to be considered for merit aid. </p>
<p>I'd honestly rather think of better essays and get everything straight for Regular Decision than turn in the essays I have ready now for EA that are honestly nothing special. After only one try, my SAT scores are decent (730 math, 710 CR), and I'm taking the SAT again in November (hopefully they go up this time around), so would regular decision be better? Will I still be considered for merit aid if I do NOT apply EA?</p>
<p>(My counselors aren't always the most dependable. One of them said to go ahead and apply RD, but the other one's kinda pushing for EA...)</p>
<p>“There is no separate application for merit-based scholarships at UNC-Chapel Hill. Selection is based on the information provided in the application for admission. For fullest consideration for these awards, students must apply to the University by January 15.” </p>
<p>Though I think I’ve heard that the Pogue takes EA applications (someone correct me on this?), it looks like regular decision’s a good choice for you. Good thinking, though! It’s definitely better that you make your essay a strong point in your application.</p>
<p>And if I’m wrong on this, then I have an e-mail which extended the EA deadline to October 16, 11:59 PM EST. Legit? I think so; many others have apparently gotten it as well. You’ll have a Sunday to do work, but it’s better than the 50 or so minutes you have right now.</p>
<p>You don’t HAVE to apply early action, but your chances of getting a scholarship will go down significantly if you don’t. EA decisions last year were released in mid January and the Scholarship Day invitations were sent out about a week or two later, while they were still obviously reviewing regular decision applications. </p>
<p>From the Admissions Blog:</p>
<p>“Merit Scholarships
Last year, Carolina awarded $2.8 million in merit scholarships. We encourage first-year students to apply by the Early Action deadline of October 15 for fullest consideration for merit scholarships. Learn more about the different scholarships we offer.”</p>