I also cannot agree on the need to raise scholarship limits, but possibly for slightly different reasons. Ron raised a good point on why the athletes receive the scholarships they do - they're not based on academics, in many cases. This should not mean that an athlete should be admitted and given an athletic scholarship, however, if he/she cannot do the coursework that would be required at the institution. And there are measures in place to make sure that athletes meet the minimum academic standards (often stricter than those for non-athletes), else they can lose their scholarships. But also remember that many "normal" students receive scholarships to college for reasons other than academics. They still have to qualify for admittance to the school, but their abilities in other areas allow them to receive scholarships (some internal, some external) based on an important aspect of college that cannot be ignored. That's the ability to contribute to the college community, and it doesn't always mean academically. Just as a student with below average grades might qualify for aid based on ability to play a musical instrument, or do volunteer work in the community, an athlete is able to use his/her abilities to bring a school national recognition in a sport, which helps the school attract other students. And the way a college community rallies around athletic teams to raise school spirit cannot be denied, either. There's also the undeniable fact that many students who arrive at college with below average grades, go on to improve dramatically and make something of themselves. Often they were able to afford school because of aid they received for non-academic reasons. In the end, I tend to think that just as happens with "normal" students, those who can perform will last it out, while those who cannot will go elsewhere. The same is true of athletes. --- --- Mike Machnik [log in to unmask] Cabletron Systems, Inc. *HMM* 11/13/93 <<<<<< Color Voice of the (7-7-1) Merrimack Warriors WCCM 800 AM >>>>>>