<p>to schedule a last-minute visit to a CC top-20 university where your child applied for a large merit scholarship?</p>
<li> School likes demonstrated interest.</li>
<li> Very fine applicant pool makes it more likely that your child will be hit by a
meteorite than be named a finalist.</li>
<li> Child would most likely love the school and be happy there, but will not go
if no $$$.</li>
</ol>
<p>I would bother. I would also send a letter affirming interest in the award and the financial situation at home (no details necessary, just a nice, wi****l letter letting them know that the award is important in the financial picture, nothing too direct). ALso mention that student is visiting, have them talk to admissions and whatever body is issuing the award if possible, if the kid presents well.</p>
<p>Thank you, jami. I certainly do trust your judgement! Let me ask you something else:
On the off chance that the kid does receive one or more of the awards, what is the appropriate, most courteous response to the notification? Some notify my mail, some phone. What's the best way to say "Thanks, I'll let you know!"</p>
<p>If you are awarded a merit scholarship, I would recommend sending a nice Thank-you letter, the very next day, telling them how thrilled you are; there is no need to say 'I will let you know', in fact it does not sound too good. There would probably be deadlines to accepting admission, scholarships, etc., and at that point, meet your deadlines, unless you have made up your mind earlier.</p>
<p>I agree with chocoholic and jamimom 100%, thank you note ASAP, then wait, meet deadlines as appropriate. My daughter had a similar "morality" crisis over whether or not to ask her GC for a nomination for a competitive scholarship at a school that was her safety and a match or safety for other students in her class. Ezduzz - most of the other scholarship candidates are in the same situation, that's why they give out the merit scholarships in the first place. ON the phone notification might be tough, that's a little pushy of the college when you think about it! How about this response for the over the phone "Thank you so very much, X is very excited about the programs and opportunities at School Y. When can she expect a written notification?"</p>
<p>Thanks, you guys. I guess hope springs eternal! She knows she is a long shot, but, if you don't apply, you for sure won't get it! Besides being thankful for all the good advice I get here, I'm thankful for e tickets, online check-in, carryon bags, and laptop computers!</p>