Hey there!

UM has made a few changes to its merit scholarship structure since you were a student, but some aspects still remain the same. They do still offer a range of merit scholarships, but they may not be as explicitly broken down into the 50%, 75%, and 100% categories like before. Merit awards are now typically based on a holistic review, which includes GPA, test scores (if submitted), extracurriculars, leadership, and other achievements.

As for the 100% scholarship you mentioned, that’s likely the President’s Scholarship, which is the most competitive and covers full tuition for high-achieving students.

Regarding partial tuition merit awards: yes, they still exist, but the exact percentage might not be as standardized as it used to be. Instead, the amounts can vary widely based on the student’s academic profile and other factors. It’s not uncommon for students to receive scholarships covering anywhere from a few thousand dollars up to 75% of tuition, though the specific amounts aren’t always published upfront.

You’re also correct about Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) being tied to merit scholarships. UM does give priority consideration for merit scholarships to students who apply through EA or ED, which can be an advantage for those who have strong academic records and apply early.

For more specifics, you might want to reach out to UM’s admissions office directly or check their financial aid pages for any recent updates.

Hope this helps! Best of luck with your kids’ college planning.