thanks @tabbychiro ! Did they happen to mention what they do for the March event? I wonder if it is a different agenda at that point?
@FrozenMaineMom, I didn’t hear anything about the March event
@FrozenMaineMom , if you do go to UCF allow enough time to visit the specific department your child is interested in (if there is one) and set up an appt with an advisor. We did that for Friday morning and I thought it was very helpful. We made arrangements ahead of time. Also it was nice to have extra time to see more of the campus. If my son goes there he would probably get a meal plan so we did eat at one of the dining halls (Knightro’s) just to check it out. Personally I thought the food was pretty institutional but son was pleased with the dessert offerings ?
We went to the event as well and it definitely made us think better about UCF than before. They made sure to show that the kids are wanted and if they choose to attend, they will get lots of perks, starting with free ride, great dorms, honors college, best professors, internships etc.
We were seated with a professor of my daughter’s intended major at the dinner and were able to ask him lots of questions. I agree with @tabbychiro that it would be better if the kids were present for a panel of current NM students who talked about their experiences because the kids need more persuading than the parents 
We were not very lucky with our campus tour guide - the guy talked too fast and we basically just ran around the campus but that was probably the only thing I didn’t like at the event.
@FrozenMaineMom – the agendas are somewhat similar, but the focus will be different. This event was to entice you to apply, while the March event will be to entice you to enroll. You already know you really need to visit in person before making a four year commitment. If you can make one of these programs, that’s great. If not, just make sure you visit whatever your finalists are before enrolling.
The campus is beautiful; they show you how beautiful it is. The dorms are beautiful; they show you how beautiful they are. They want your NMF to attend, and you know that because they are throwing money and perks at the kids. They explain all this in great detail at these presentations. If you need the explanations and would enjoy the flattering recruiting pitches, you should go to the March session. If not, you’re really not missing anything other than an extensive, impressive marketing presentation by skipping the organized event, and we know from others’ reports that they will gladly arrange a personal visit for you, at a time convenient for you, as long as it doesn’t conflict with whatever else they have going on (breaks, scheduled events, etc.).
Just don’t worry – you have been all over this and are not missing anything. These events are really geared for the general population that hasn’t been on CC doing the deep dive since whenever you first joined. 
It’s for people who aren’t on here and other boards like this, and are first learning about their National Merit program from a mailer they receive. It’s to get them on campus to pitch them and teach them everything about the school and the program you have already learned by asking questions here.
My son and I also attended UCF’s Director’s Forum. We had toured UCF previously. Outside of the dinner itself and Luke’s informational piece, no new information was delivered. The Honors presentation was the same as the general tour and the tour of campus was abbreviated. The mock class was an absolute disaster. The professor was unprepared and ill-equipped to use technology. The content of her lecture also made little sense and was disjointed. The best part of the evening was the opportunity to meet professors/deans of schools of intended major. My son left the almost 6 hour event (too long) less enthused about UCF. The USF NMSS event the following day was much more personal and informative. Several NMSS students who attended both agreed with us.
I would love to hear about the USF event…It definitely sounds like the UCF mock class was not helpful. Thats unfortunate!
@tabbychiro I love all things UCF…except the meal plan. Please read the posts on reddit/ucf before making the required full year commitment if your son chooses UCF. I have 2 there now. Their on campus housing (Towers) is apartment style so meal prep isn’t an issue. One is a proficient cook. The other likes the freedom to eat where he chooses, on or off campus. Some students prefer the convenience of the meal plan, but many have buyers remorse pretty quickly.
Based on the snailmail recently, I think a few schools ordered the SF list from the College Board. One was a very clear “apply here” form letter from a school D19 has already been accepted to. One has been sending mail for months. One has sent some email, but I think this was the first snail mail recruitment note.
Only two more months until Finalist letters come out.
@3boystogo I would love it if my son would be willing to cook his own meals but he doesn’t care about cooking or eating healthy alas. I figure if he has to go to the dining hall it will get him out of his room at least
@mara15 - If East coast is not a hard requirement, USC (California) is urban and has a 1/2 tuition NMF Presidential scholarship that is automatic if you are admitted. My D is a freshman there and loves it.
does anyone have more information on VCU’s merit scholarships for NMFs/ how much of a ‘guarantee’ that is? (also, did anyone have the chance to go the VCU Scholar’s Forum on December 8th?)
This is jumping the gun a little bit - but does anyone know if a FAFSA has to be filled out if my daughter is a merit finalist and goes with a school with a full scholarship (univ of alabama)?
@mm6262, each school is different, but most seemed to require it for their NM scholarships and other merit.
@MM6262 - I know for sure UCF requires it.
FSU required it for freshmen application, but then we did not have fill it our again soph year for the NMF Benacquisto.
I do not believe UTD requires it.
Univ of Florida did not require a FAFSA.
Completing a FAFSA is not a condition of qualifying for the Benacquisto Scholarship from the State of Florida.
@oldandwise - I just know it is a UCF requirement. Luke of UCF went over that part quite thoroughly when we met during the NMSF tour.