<p>weenie, the 3.3 needs to be looked at as a whole. Grace periods? When is determined? Every year? Or every semester? BTW , D's requirement is a 3.25 and as a Bio and Chem double major at a school with zippo grade inflation, that's about as high as I'd like it to be. But her's is reviewed annually so first semester doesn't kill you with a 3.0. If the kid can be conservative (don't overload your cart first time out) just semester one and get themsleves set up right, they can take plenty of chances later on. As I discussed on another thread, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Everything has a price.</p>
<p>weenie, there are obviously no guarantees. But I think that the 3.3 in that situation is very likely to work out. My S accomplished that GPA in Engineering (with room to spare) at a Tier 1 school and at a top LAC (reputed to have zero grade inflation) during his Katrina term.</p>
<p>He is now at an elite and he is nowhere near the top 20% based on things like SATs. He has to work very very very hard in selected courses, and worries about his GPA (no scholarship to defend, just wants to do well). Even so, he achieved a 3.25 last term. But this is a school with intense, GPA-obsessed kids, grading on a tough curve (per DS' description). Based on all of my one kid's experiences (remember curmudgeon's old saw about cc-ers' willingness to make sweeping generalizations based on one data point ;)... but my kid somehow manages to be 3 data points :eek:), I just think the 3.3 will be eminently doable for the kid you describe.</p>
<p>Thanks curm and jmmom. I think if that school stays on the list (which so far it is) I need to look closer at the rules for that scholarship. Thanks again.</p>
<p>Called the school today and asked if the 3.7 could be lowered for an EE or CE student. They are calling me back with that and more info about moving down to the lower scholarship. Either would keep this school in play for son.</p>
<p>Kind of interesting even if he does not go there frankly</p>
<p>Very interesting! Good to hear that there is a possibility of a flexible response.</p>
<p>Fingers crossed on good news.</p>
<p>Wow, interesting to see this commented on today; I was just talking to my son last night about checking carefully about merit aid GPA's. I was explaining that when I was a freshman in college, I had dormmates who had 3.5 GPA requirements for their scholarships, and it really affected class choices for them, because they couldn't afford to be daring at all.</p>
<p>Skiing aside, or other serious lack of fit, I just can't imagine taking U-squared over USC for engineering nowadays, particularly when you stated in another thread (the girl from ND asking about CompE) that USC came up with a nice financial package. The resources available at USC are fantastic, and it has completely revamped its position and reputation within the engineering community over the past few decades, to the point where it is sneaking up on the traditional elite programs.</p>
<p>Hey, Art. I'm surprised you're able to post in your spare time here, what with Wild West and Scout.com.</p>
<p>??????????</p>
<p>weenie - be sure to check with the Engineering School or Dept. Is he in the top 20% of that department? What's their average GPA after Freshman, soph, jr years? What percentage lose their scholarship at some point due to GPA requirements? What % change majors. For a field like engineering, that is far more valuable info than general college population info.</p>
<p>Good advice from everyone here. </p>
<p>We were in the same position with S's first choice school having a high GPA requirement to hold the scholarship which we could not afford to replace. Technically the student would have a year to bring the GPA up again, which I thought would be impossible & a burden. At the time he was going in as a biochemistry major. Plan B would mean a switch to our state U, which is very good. </p>
<p>As a family we discussed the freedom to choose interesting classes and not have the GPA control his life. I did call both school's financial aid offices to discuss all of the particulars. How many students loose, how many reclaim the scholarship, etc.</p>
<p>It was a lot to think about in a short time. It did work out. He picked his second choice school, held his scholarship and was very happy.</p>
<p>Our D is now an engineering major with a high GPA, but I think the pressure would get to her if she had to keep a 3.7.</p>