A letter in the September 3 Daily said that my letter (published August 29) incorrectly stated how National Merit Scholars are chosen.

I am sorry if what I wrote about that was inaccurate. I took it from what the Daily published on both August 26 and 27.

But there is a sense in which it is NOT important.

Had I used this new version of Merit Scholar selection procedures, my letter would have been just as effective in making its three intended points.

So far as I know, the press has never reported that ISU is offering “full-ride” scholarships to Merit Scholars.

These scholarships may be the main reason for ISU’s “popularity” with Merit Scholars.

Since not all high quality students are Merit Scholars, there is a question about how much of ISU’s limited scholarship budget should be earmarked for Merit Scholars.

I’d be happy to have even more Merit Scholars here.

I wish there were a lot more scholarship money available for all deserving students.

Bryan Cain

Professor of mathematics