Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior and I was wondering if applying Early Decision to a college has any impact on merit scholarships. Will my chances for merit-based aid be different if I apply via Early Decision versus Regular Decision? Thanks in advance!
Hey there! Great question about merit scholarships and Early Decision (ED) applications. In general, applying Early Decision shouldn't have a significant impact on the availability of merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are usually based on academic achievements, talents, or other personal qualities, and most schools offer them to both ED and Regular Decision (RD) candidates.
However, some schools have a limited pool of funding and may use merit scholarships to try to attract or 'woo' top students during the RD round. As a result, you might find slightly better opportunities for merit-based aid during RD at a few institutions. It would be a good idea to research your prospective school's policies and stats regarding merit scholarships for both ED and RD applicants.
Remember, though, that one of the benefits of ED is having a higher acceptance rate. So, weigh your options carefully, taking into account your personal preferences, financial needs, and college priorities. Good luck in the process!
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