<p>Just wondering if there was anyone out there who didn't get aid that they felt they deserved, or even an invitation to Common Wealth that they didn't get but thought they had a shot.</p>
<p>4.1 W GPA, 2150 SAT, 33 ACT, leadership position, mild EC's, good essays/recs
$0 merit, no Commonwealth
In-State</p>
<p>Checked quite a few posts with worse stats, receiving money a/o Commonwealth invitation.</p>
<p>Instate the merit scholarship for Commonwealth seems to be $2000. Out of state students see a much higher merit scholarship amount, which brings tuition down to instate rates. If you were not invited to Comm Coll, you can apply after your 1st semester freshman year. </p>
<p>From the UMass website: If you are entering UMass Amherst with an exemplary high school record that includes all of the following:</p>
<p>minimum combined (critical reading & math) SAT-I score of 1300 (or ACT composite score of 29) or higher AND
weighted high school GPA of “A-” or higher AND
high school class rank in the top 10 percent,
you will be considered for admission by the UMass Amherst Admissions Office to join Commonwealth Honors College. There is no separate application process for first-year students entering the College. Students are notified of their selection to Commonwealth Honors College by the Undergraduate Admissions Office at the time of admission.</p>
<p>ultimateisasport - What is the class high school ranking?</p>
<p>cluelessbass - I’m in the second decile of my class. My counselor specifically told me I’m at the 15% mark, but she’s only allowed to say either 1%, 5%, 10%, or any other deciles, so I came in at 20%. I understand now why I didn’t get into Commonwealth, but that’s a pretty stupid system to base it on (since school’s should be ranked, as well).</p>
<p>As for the merit, I still don’t understand why I received absolutely none.</p>
<p>I understand your frustration. You do have great stats! From what I have seen (and I could be wrong), UMass Amherst instate merit is only going to Comm Coll members. This is new. My son was a member of Commonwealth College for 4 years, and didn’t receive a penny of merit. We paid extra each semester for the Comm Coll experience. One of my son’s friends was salutatorian of her class, a tip-top high achiever and a Comm Coll invite with only $1000 in merit (2010 admit). Don’t take it personally!</p>