“It says on the UCSB website that the Regents scholarship is awarded to the top 2% of admitted students”
Per the website “The Regents Scholars selection committee conducts a comprehensive review of the freshman applicant pool to determine the student’s strength and breadth of academic preparation. Selection is based on a thorough review of the admissions application, including, but not limited to test scores and grades.”
It’s not limited to just the top 2% of admitted students as they look at other factors other than just test scores and grades and conduct a thorough review of the admission application, no?
The “top 2%” is not determined solely on test scores but as a result of the “thorough review of the admissions application”. So it is not selecting only amongst applicants (or admitted students) with top 2% test scores and grades. They need to offer ~600 Regents scholarships (i.e. 2% of the 30,000 offers of admission) to get what appears to be perhaps 30-50 acceptances.
You’d expect a higher percentage to turn it down than the 80% of the overall applicant pool who turn down their offers, because as with virtually all schools, the average (and median) scores and grades of the students who enroll are lower than the average for the entire pool of admitted students. In other words, most students attend the highest ranking college that accepts them (unless there are significant differences in cost, but generally $6000 per year won’t tip the balance against Berkeley or UCLA).
“In other words, most students attend the highest ranking college that accepts them (unless there are significant differences in cost, but generally $6000 per year won’t tip the balance against Berkeley or UCLA).”
I disagree. I little bit of attention can go a long way. Instead of being just another student at Cal or UCLA, you can get the perks of a Regents Scholar (choice of classes, dorms, etc.) and live at the beach.
I’m not saying you should or shouldn’t accept the Regents scholarship offer. I’m just pointing out that the vast majority (it seems 90%+) of those offered the scholarship by UCSB turn it down. I agree that some people may prefer the perks and extra money and was surprised how few accept.
My daughter was awarded Chancellors at another UC 4 years ago. Having that not only came with money, but she registered for classes a full week before her peers. It made a huge difference.
Seconding LovingLive2023’s request to see if anyone who goes can let us know how it is. D19 got the invite I think later than most and so it’s full and no movement on the waitlist. Thanks in advance!