I sure wish this problem were as simple as need-based versus merit-based-- but it's not. Many of the kids who SHOULD get merit-based aid have been denied the supports that would get them there. There's little doubt about that. It just seems to be so darned intractable a problem to solve.
ITA. There is so much more to the equation than simply drawing a connection that "smart families have smart kids and smart people make more money therefore there will be more smart kids at higher SES". Undoubtedly that is a part of the equation - but there are so many challenges that lower income students are often faced with - lack of parental support due to any number of reasons (parents working multiple jobs, parental disconnect, parents not having reached higher education levels etc), learning disabilities potentially going unnoticed, lack of resources in schools, first language not English.. and more. Sometimes something as simple as having an adult mentor to occasionally cheer you on.
Just my perspective, but the issues that cause that SES gap in merit-based aid... those issues need to be addressed (and solutions *funded*) in earlier school - long before the students are ready to apply for university.
polarbear
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