Tyng Scholarship versus UNC Morehead-Cain

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
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<p>I was just named a Tyng Scholar to Williams. From the website, I read it is only awarded to 7-8 people annually. The benefits, from what I can gather, are three funded research summers, 3 years of funded graduate studies, full financial aid (with about $2,000 a year parent contribution) + no loans or work study, and some other stuff.</p>

<p>I'm excited, but I had already settled on UNC for the Morehead-Cain scholarship. Now I really don't know what to do. Three years of funded graduate studies? That can't be beat.</p>

<p>Is anyone here willing to offer advice on the Morehead-Cain versus the Tyng?</p>

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<p>They are 2 completely different types of schools and locations! I’d consider that and which best suits you. At UNC you will have access to many more classes and activities, but it’s big though beautiful.</p>

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<p>Some interesting discussion about the Tyng can be found in the comments of this blog post: [Merit</a> Scholarships : EphBlog](<a href=“http://www.ephblog.com/2004/05/12/Merit-Scholarships/]Merit”>http://www.ephblog.com/2004/05/12/Merit-Scholarships/)</p>

<p>As well as other related posts on the same blog: [Tyng</a> Scholarship : EphBlog](<a href=“http://www.ephblog.com/category/tyng-scholarship/]Tyng”>http://www.ephblog.com/category/tyng-scholarship/)</p>

<p>I know very little about the Tyng, but it seems to basically be money for college, with a small amount of summer support, a vague statement of support for grad school if you continue to demonstrate need, and a very small amount of networking/support. The big draw seems to be that it is at Williams.</p>

<p>If you really love Williams and money is what was holding you back, definitely consider the Tyng. Williams is a great school, and having this support for grad school sounds amazing.</p>

<p>However, if you love the Morehead-Cain for its summer support, strong alumni network, etc. then I do not think that the Tyng offers anything comparable.</p>

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<p>2by2 is also right to point out that UNC-Chapel Hill and Williams are about as different as you can get, despite both being amazing schools.</p>

<p>Size/location/culture could possibly be a deciding factor here.</p>

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<p>Read the fine print: They are two VERY different scholarships. The Tyng is a need based financial aid package and is not guaranteed for all four years nor for grad school.</p>

<p>The Morehead has no “need” component attached to it and IS a full ride PLUS includes a living stipend for all four years and it also includes your laptop.</p>

<p>The biggest difference is that the Tyng is completely self directed while with the Morehead you will have the assistance and guidance of the entire Morehead Foundation staff plus the numerous alumni who are there to assist you.</p>

<p>With the Tyng you are "highly encouraged " to pursue summer three internships with the Morehead you WILL have four summer experiences in outdoor leadership, a service summer anywhere in the world, a travel study summer again anywhere in the world and finally your real “internship” summer which again can be anywhere in the world. The reason I have emphasized “anywhere in the world” is because your Morehead summers are really only limited by your imagination; if there is a way to do it,the Foundation will help you accomplish it. The Morehead summers are fully funded averaging about $4,000 per summer for the last three summers; look carefully at the award amounts for the Tyng.</p>

<p>The Tyng offers no guarantee of a “full ride” because it is based on annual need which means it requires filing financial aid documents every year whereas the Morehead is merit based and requires only remaining academically eligible and fulfilling the personal behavior/honor standards set by the Foundation. Additionally,the grad school monies for the Tyng are not guaranteed and can have a loan component:</p>

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<p>The Morehead is also about creating your own life’s destiny and giving back as well. While the Tyng is a very prestigious award at Williams (and you should be proud of your winning it) the Tyng is really just a vehicle to help afford an education at Williams while The Morehead is the most widely recognized and most highly regarded merit award in all of undergraduate education and carries with it a mantle that will follow you the rest of your life. The network of alumni is amazing and are all there to help you reach and achieve your life’s dreams.</p>

<p>FWIW, look at the high correlation of Moreheads who go on to win the Rhodes Scholarship; it is no coincidence since the Morehead was based on the Rhodes. The Foundation is well equipped and prepared to help you should you seek a Rhodes, Truman or other prestigious post grad award. </p>

<p>[Prestigious</a> Scholarships - Morehead-Cain](<a href=“http://www.moreheadcain.org/page/prestigious-scholarships]Prestigious”>http://www.moreheadcain.org/page/prestigious-scholarships)</p>

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<p>Thank you guys. Eadad, that was some of the best advice I’ve ever received.</p>

<p>I will be a tar heel next year.</p>

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<p>Hooray!!! Congrats Ephemeral2! I was just there and it is beautiful! You will love it!</p>

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<p>Wow, I just want to say congratulations. You must be a very special, talented individual! Good luck at UNC.</p>

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<p>Sounds like you have already made a decision, but one thing to keep in mind is that most good science/humanities grad programs include funding anyway, so I’m not sure how much of a “deal” that part of it really is.</p>

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<p>Personally I would have gone with Tyng as I think it is a better overall deal and you would probably get a better education at Williams but you know your own situations and goals better than I do so good luck and congratulations whatever you’ve decided on.</p>