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Help me find resources for merit-based scholarships :)


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We're stuck in middle class - we make too much for need-based aid, but I feel pretty sure dd can get some merit-based aid. Her first choice college has a great merit-based program, but we don't want to put all our eggs into either the basket a) that she'll get accepted, nor the one b) that she'll get any aid from the school. So... what programs have you found that provide more (> $1000) bang for the buck, so to speak? She's got the SAT scores to be a NM Semi-Finalist for our state if that makes any difference.

Thanks so much :)

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Look at the financial aid forum over at college confidential:

 

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/

 

Right near the top, there is thread with a list of some schools that are noted for good merit aid. Also, I think there was a thread on there specifically listing schools that give great scholarships for NM Finalists.

 

Also -- the advice we've heard over and over again is that if money will be an issue, do not apply Early Decision. Schools tend to be less generous with ED applicants because they know they are the student's #1 choice.

 

HTH,

Brenda

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We're stuck in middle class - we make too much for need-based aid, but I feel pretty sure dd can get some merit-based aid. Her first choice college has a great merit-based program, but we don't want to put all our eggs into either the basket a) that she'll get accepted, nor the one b) that she'll get any aid from the school. So... what programs have you found that provide more (> $1000) bang for the buck, so to speak? She's got the SAT scores to be a NM Semi-Finalist for our state if that makes any difference.

Thanks so much :)

 

There are big catalog books in most libraries that list tons of scholarships, both big and small.

One suggestion is not to overlook the smaller local scholarships (for example, from the local Rotary club or the DAR or for children of various affiliations like military, ethnic groups, unions) that may be smaller dollar amounts but also have less competition.

I think the book my library had was Kaplan Scholarships . I probably wouldn't bother buying the book, just check it out or copy the pages that are applicable.

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Another suggestion, look for other colleges that sound appealing to her that guarantee to meet 100% of need but also where she would be amongst their top applicants (for example, her SAT scores would be well above their median scores). And, if possible, also find out what colleges give merit aid but do not require attendance at a scholarship event. So, for example, St. Olaf and Beloit award merit scholarships but, to be eligible for the largest award, the student must attend their scholarship event on campus. Willamette awards merit scholarships based on the application alone.

 

Regards,

Kareni

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Thanks for the book and website suggestions! :)

 

Interesting you should mention Baylor. We live a few hours away from Waco and I've always had Baylor on my radar. Such a pretty campus and we have a friend in their classical honors college.

 

Alas dd wants to look out her dorm room and see mountains, not likely at Baylor... :glare:

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