UPenn Merit Scholarship!

[abcehmu]

I just found that I have been accepted to Penn(!) and that I am the recipient of a merit scholarship. I loved Penn during my interview and love their program....I'm literally shaking right now.

Now to step away from those emotions and be a little more pragmatic. I am wondering if anybody out there has any info about the implications of this award.

My family is not particularly wealthy and I expect to be on considerable need based financial aid at the schools I have been accepted. I have been told to expect as much by a financial aid officer at a top school.

So, my big question is: will this "merit scholarship" from Penn be considered separate my financial need, or it will it only significantly reduce my financial need?

Penn tuition and fees stands about 39k, and the award notice from this merit scholarship is well below that, so it seems that this is not one of the "full ride" awards they give out.

From what I have been told elsewhere, it's very possible that I will receive a comparable amount of money (if not more) as a "need based scholarship" from other schools. I'm wondering if its possible that despite this award my financial situation at Penn will in the end be no better than at other top schools with great resources.

Any information would be highly appreciated.

Thanks and good luck to all!

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[infiniti]

Ironically, someone I know recieved this "merit financial aid" last year. I think it is just a tuition financial aid. In addition to that, he recieved more financial aid that covered books and other stuff.

I am very happy too. If you are poor like I am, your financial aid at other schools will almost amount to a full ride. Don't do anything rash yet. Just wait and see.
Double Congrats to you.

 

[Overlap12]

You should just wait to see what other schools give you for aid. It's very possible that other schools will give you need-based aid that will outweigh your scholarship at Penn- although they will probably give you more aid as well. As to whether this aid will come in the form of grants or loans, it all depends on the school. Everyone gets enough aid to go to med school in the form of loans, but I assume that you guys are talking about those wonderful grants that are basically free money.

 

[Marie_]

I just found that I have been accepted to Penn(!) and that I am the recipient of a merit scholarship. I loved Penn during my interview and love their program....I'm literally shaking right now.

Now to step away from those emotions and be a little more pragmatic. I am wondering if anybody out there has any info about the implications of this award.

Any information would be highly appreciated.

Thanks and good luck to all!

I just got the same, and couldn't be more thrilled. They told me that its a guarenteed minimum scholarship, so your financial aid (and I will have quite a bit of that as well) should be in addition.

Congratulations!!!

 

[06applicant]

I just got the same, and couldn't be more thrilled. They told me that its a guarenteed minimum scholarship, so your financial aid (and I will have quite a bit of that as well) should be in addition.

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations everyone. I got into Penn as well, but no scholarship 🙁 . Can any of you post or PM me your stats. I'd like to know what a merit award winner looks like. Thanks.

 

[med21]

How did you guys find out about the scholarship? Is it posted on the applicant website or did you actually get a mailing? Thanks!

 

[abcehmu]

I just got the same, and couldn't be more thrilled. They told me that its a guarenteed minimum scholarship, so your financial aid (and I will have quite a bit of that as well) should be in addition.

Congratulations!!!

Hey Marie,

Congrats! Who exactly did you talk to? Was it someone at Penn financial aid?

 

[Marie_]

How did you guys find out about the scholarship? Is it posted on the applicant website or did you actually get a mailing? Thanks!

The dean called me to let me know.

 

[abcehmu]

The dean called me to let me know.

oh wow

 

[abcehmu]

How did you guys find out about the scholarship? Is it posted on the applicant website or did you actually get a mailing? Thanks!

mine was posted on the applicant website.

 

[Marie_]

Congratulations everyone. I got into Penn as well, but no scholarship 🙁 . Can any of you post or PM me your stats. I'd like to know what a merit award winner looks like. Thanks.

My stats are actually not amazing at all, and I was stunned to hear that I got the award. I had really great extracurriculars, and I think that made all the difference. 😀

 

[mostwanted]

a 37 isn't amazing 😱

My stats are actually not amazing at all, and I was stunned to hear that I got the award. I had really great extracurriculars, and I think that made all the difference. 😀

37Q
3.6 GPA - Double major

What kind of awards are people getting??

 

[Mr. Tee]

a 37 isn't amazing 😱

yes it is, considering it's like 97-98th percentile or something.

Congrats! You ARE the strongest link, hello 😎

 

[abcehmu]

bump

 

[lookslikerain]

My stats are actually not amazing at all

37Q
3.6 GPA - Double major

I beg to differ. Since when is a 37 not amazing? 😀

 

[swifty100850]

congratulations! just wait for the other financial aid offers to come in. until then - celebrate!!!!!!

 

[TracksuitsRock]

Hey are you guys sending a thank you note for your scholarships? I got a small one and was thinking, would it be appropriate to just write a quick note thanking the admissions committee for it? Because I thought I remembered on interview day they said an independent committee decides the scholarships...

 

[Marie_]

I beg to differ. Since when is a 37 not amazing? 😀

Sorry, wasn't trying to sound obnoxious. I'm really proud of the 37, I just imagine that on the whole there are a lot of applicants with far better numbers than me. That’s why I think my award is based more on my extracurriculars and financial need.

I am definitely sending a thank you note. My dad was so happy that he actually started crying and he’s even sending a thank you note (his first thank you note ever 😱 ).

 

[abcehmu]

Sorry, wasn't trying to sound obnoxious. I'm really proud of the 37, I just imagine that on the whole there are a lot of applicants with far better numbers than me. That’s why I think my award is based more on my extracurriculars and financial need.

I am definitely sending a thank you note. My dad was so happy that he actually started crying and he’s even sending a thank you note (his first thank you note ever 😱 ).

I think it's appropriate to send a thank you note. Do you know who we woul send it to?