Cornell Financial Aid

A couple of emails from readers recommended linking to a story about the new financial aid policy at Cornell. From the story:

A student becomes a University “enrollment priority” based on several criteria, including academic excellence, athleticism and race, (Doris Davis, associate provost for admissions and enrollment) explained.

“Some of the students who are selected will be ‘college scholars’; the selection of college scholars is done by each college … Other students may be selected because they are an enrollment priority, such as students of color, athletes, and students from farm families –– these are just a few examples,” Davis stated in an e-mail.

Also ...

In terms of the new program’s adherence to the bylaws of the Ivy League, which regulates the athletic competition amongst the Ivies, states, “Athletes shall be admitted as students and awarded financial aid only on the basis of the same academic standards and economic need as are applied to all other students.”

Davis, however, asserts that Cornell University’s new financial aid policy does not violate the bylaws of the Ivy League since there are other students who are not athletes being selected.

Discuss among yourselves.

Mike Liss, a 6-foot-2 receiver, opted to walk on at hometown Colorado State after a visit to Dartmouth among others. Find a story here.

For a few thoughts about Signing Day, the dot.com recruiting analysts and the FCS, check out Chuck Burton's column in the College Sporting News.

And finally, the Great College Tour '09 continues today after visiting a school – smaller than Dartmouth – whose athletic facilities would be the envy of most – if not all – Ivy League schools. We'll hit a couple more today and two more tomorrow before heading back to Hanover.