In its August 21, 2006, issue, Time magazine ran a story titled, "Free Tuition for Smart Kids," addressing recent increases in merit based scholarships to universities nationwide. In just 10 years, the percentage of state-college grants awarded on the basis of merit have risen from just 10% to more than 25% (the remaining 75% going to needs-based grants).

According to the article, "The schools are simply following the times: these days even public colleges are obsessed with improving their rankings, which can be done in part by attracting high-scoring students with offers of an all-expenses-paid education."

Increased Opportunities for Gifted Kids From Lower-Income Communities

The article suggests that the trend will have a positive impact on gifted students from lower-income communities. Given both merit and need, such students will have many new opportunities open to them at the nations' best schools such as Harvard (where tuition is now more than $30,000 a year). The article explains, "lower-income communities are finding that their gifted kids can gain entry to the most expensive schools, perhaps helping pry open the austere gates of Harvard Yard a little wider in the process."