<p>is it ever the case where the college has added some scholarships that you weren't previously notified about? </p>
<p>I would assume that those would have come separately by now (and my son has gotten some at various places), but just wondered if with the financial aid letter they sometimes distribute some more that you aren't aware of.</p>
<p>It would help make our decision if we knew no better offers were coming along. He doesn't qualify for need-based, so all this is merit, so not sure how that worked and if anybody has ever been pleasantly surprised by extra money in that regard.</p>
<p>Yes, my son received scholarships he didn't know about later in the spring and some kids at my son's school received scholarships in May and June from colleges. They were totally unexpected so you can't count on them ahead of time. That is why this is so nerve wracking for everyone.</p>
<p>So is it a smart thing to just wait until right before the May 1 reply date to make sure all offers have come in? Do you need to notify colleges you aren't attending or do they just figure it out when you don't turn in your deposit?</p>
<p>'So is it a smart thing to just wait until right before the May 1 reply date to make sure all offers have come in?"
Yes
"Do you need to notify colleges you aren't attending or do they just figure it out when you don't turn in your deposit?"
Some colleges ask you to respond if you are not attending- often times your answer is forwarded to the "enrollment management" company the college uses to figure out how to attract future students. If they ask for a response , it wouldn't hurt to answer.</p>
<p>One caveat - I've been warned by one school that by waiting until May 1st, it greatly lessens your chance of being in your dorm of choice. Not sure how common April housing decisions are, but it may be something to think about.</p>