Merit-based aid. Forum

[patienunderstanding]

I have a question regarding merit-based aid. In general, what are the requirements? For example is it just number-based- LSAT, GPA or are there other requirements, such as state residency, URM, non-URM, citizenship status, part-time, full-time etc. etc.
Thanks.

[cinephile]

My understanding is that merit-based aid is just that, merit. Diversity scholarships certainly exist. I don't know about giving you more money for being in-state, because what does that do for the school? It boosts their ranking to attract minorities and high scoring individuals, but the other factors you listed don't do anything for the school.

[NinerFan]

My understanding is that stats like GPA and LSAT play a factor, but that gender and race does too.

The reasoning I've heard is that the pool of "qualified" URMs and females for law school appears to be smaller for top tier schools, so they're more likely to receive higher scholarships than a similarly qualified white male.

[Alan]

The reasoning I've heard is that the pool of "qualified" URMs and females for law school appears to be smaller for top tier schools, so they're more likely to receive higher scholarships than a similarly qualified white male.

This is true.