<p>My D and I are heading to Rhodes this weekend for the Open House and I had a couple of questions. First of all, I have read different recommendations regarding merit aid and when to apply. Some suggest that by going the early decision route, the college does not have the incentive to provide merit aid because you are "all in" and have committed to Rhodes. Others have suggested that there is more merit aid available early in the application year and those applicants that go early decision tend to receive higher awards. Any thoughts or suggestions regarding the chances of receiving merit aid when going early decision?</p>
<p>Second, we both love BBQ and thought we would go to Central BBQ. The location on Summer Avenue is much closer to our hotel. Is this location just as good in terms of food quality and ambiance as the Central Avenue location? Is the Summer Avenue location a safe place to go to after dark?</p>
<p>Hi, I’m actually a student at Rhodes. I’m not sure if I could accurately help you with the first part of your question, but I’d definitely recommend calling our admissions office and I bet they’ll be able to answer that question. About Central avenue, both locations are great and you can’t tell the difference food wise. The one on summer is a bit larger as it’s their second location, but both are perfectly fine to be in whatever time of the day. Most Rhodes students go to the one on Central simply because it’s closer to campus, so you’d have a better chance of seeing students at that location, I know that I’m there probably once a week and it’s very popular. Let me know if you have any other questions</p>
<p>Thank you so much. That was really helpful. We are very excited about coming to the Open House on Saturday. Has Rhodes lived up to your expectations?</p>
<p>D is a 2012 graduate of Rhodes. Most of her friends received great merit aid from Rhodes, and she was awarded a Morse. I’m pretty sure that none of them applied ED. She had a great four years at Rhodes.</p>
<p>I can’t help with the BBQ question–D and I are both vegetarians.</p>
<p>I hope you all have a good visit, and if you have specific questions after your visit, you can PM me.</p>
<p>My understanding is that the school does not award Merit Scholarships in larger amounts for ED. They make projections internally as to how much to allot to both decision dates so you should not be at a disadvantage if you apply for RD. Also two of my students and I are also attending the open house this weekend. The admissions counselor told us to check out MemFix a music festival/ block party that is happening real close to the school from 10am to 10pm, same day. Center BBQ will have a food tent/truck there. Looking forward to the open house!</p>
<p>Friend’s son is delighted with the school- and also got a great package that included merit. RD. Friend has had very positive experiences in speaking with FA, getting all sorts of A-Z questions answered. You may have a chance to speak with them, this weekend. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Another Rhodes parent (D is class of 2014). D applied early admission but not early decision, and she (and H and I) have overall been pleased with her experiences. Merit aid was definitely a factor in her decision to attend.</p>