Financial Bonuses

In an extreme and unique move to attract talented students, Cornell University officials announced earlier this month that they will offer more financial aid money to applicants they designate Most Attractive in next year's admissions pool.

Applicants to the class of 1987 will be divided into three categories, said Provost W. Keith Kennedy. Students in the top echelon, who are otherwise eligible for financial aid, will have to contribute a minimum of 4,400 to their education, while those in the middle level will have to pay at least $4,150, and those deemed least attractive will be charged $5,230 or more.

The new policy is a substantial departure from the current one, which has fare less disparity between the these levels. This year the self-help levels are at $3,200, $3,700, and $4,200, from most to least attractive.

If adopted, the plan would mean that the most attractive applicants would have to pay only $200 more next year that this year, while the least attractive applicants would have to pay $1,030 more.

"We must remain competitive, and we will do it," said Kennedy. Cornell Daily Sun. Feb 10