Timing and procedure for scholarships not accepted?

<p>This is probably common knowledge to everyone but me, but please bear with this question. As an example, University X has several scholarships which are apparently numbered -- the Alumni Top 100, 6 specific "Top Tier" awards, and so forth. </p>

<p>Obviously some of these scholarships will be offered but not accepted. I assume that colleges would not offer more than they can provide, even though they realize that some will not be awarded to the initial offeree. Is there a general policy about these that they will later be offered to other students if declined? If so, is there a time frame in which you must accept or decline these so they can be offered to other students in time for them to factor them in to their selection? </p>

<p>My daughter seems to have her heart set on a particular school. We have gotten a guaranteed scholarship for tuition and fees. We are "up" for a couple of scholarships which are significant and would cover much of the other costs. I could imagine that she might not be in the top 100 applicants, for instance, but would likely be in the top 100 applicants who actually attend that university. When would we know if that was the case? I think that I am asking when is the final offering of scholarships, if there is a general guideline for that?</p>