The Daily Collegian's Board of Opinion made the dubious assertion that a 40 percent increase in the scholarship provided to all incoming Schreyer Honors College students will not improve the quality of applicants to the Honors College ("Schreyer Honors College Scholarships: Larger awards won't attract better students," March 14). However in the last 10 years, universities across the country have used merit aid to dramatically increase the average SAT score and high school GPA of their student bodies.

While the Board of Opinion might not think an additional $4,000 over four years is a lot of money, it is a significant amount. And if that extra $4,000 makes a prospective student take a closer look at everything that a Penn State honors education has to offer, more than a few will decide to matriculate at Penn State. Moreover, it seems counterintuitive to suggest that increasing the requirements for students will convince higher quality students to enroll in the Honors College. Honors students value the freedom they have to pursue their own interests and chafe under additional constraints.

Ultimately, the money Penn State spends on scholarships for Honors College students raises the profile of the university, which benefits all Penn State students.