PS program not flawed

PS program not flawed

ATLANTA
November 13, 1998

I would like to clarify for your readers a couple of statements made in a consensus editorial from the November 6, 1998, issue of the Technique.

The editorial stated that President's Scholars from Georgia could make money from the stipend. While it would certainly be an appealing incentive for applicants, this is not the case. Students who exceed the cost of attendance have their President's Scholarships reduced to ensure that there is no "money-making opportunity." The total estimated cost of attendance for in-state students is over $11,000 per year. The highest PS award for in-state students is less than half of this amount. Even when the HOPE Scholarship is added, a student receiving the maximum PS award would still need to contribute about $3,000, which is clearly not "full." By not offering full-ride stipends, we are able to offer more scholarships than we would otherwise be able to give.

The editorial also seems to imply that since 16 percent of the PS's lose the scholarship because of grades that the excess money could be made available for other scholarships. In actuality, PS's are placed on grade probation when they fall below a 3.2 GPA, but their stipend is reinstated if and when they bring the GPA back up to 3.2. We know historically that some students will fall below the GPA limit and consider that in our cost projections as we determine how many scholarships to offer each year.

While we could simply recruit students on the basis of academic performance and virtually ensure top grades, we instead place emphasis on well-roundedness, seeking those students who have demonstrated leadership qualities as well as academic skills. By selecting this type of student, we are adhering to the mandate of the President's Scholarship while bringing to Georgia Tech students likely to make a difference in campus life.

Randy McDow,
President's Scholarship Coordinator
mcdow@prism.gatech.edu

Copyright © 1998 by Gregory S. Scherrer, Editor and by the Student Publications Board

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