<p>* is it ever Ok to ask a Financial aid or admissions office what the criteria is for the highest award, if it’s not stated? In one case, she received the highest award in the highest listed merit scholarship category, but the school web site says they do pull out the strongest students from THAT level and offer them a bump up to a full scholarship. No specifics, though. She was well above the stats for the category she got, though. *</p>
<p>Sure, it’s ok to ask…but the criteria may not be purely stats-based. The school may use the full scholarships to target students who fulfill a diversity need (ethnic or regional). </p>
<p>I remember trying to get this info about a school when my older son was applying. I finally got the “answer” when I found an alumni newsletter and it had a pic of the big scholarship recipients…all URMs. </p>
<p>Is it for full tuition or a real “full ride” (tuition, room, board, etc)?</p>