<p>I just found out that I was named NMSF, and I am in the process of filling out the application. I can't figure out whether or not to list USC to as my first choice. </p>
<p>I am applying to a variety of schools, but USC is the only one that offers significant NMF money (half-tuition). I understand that I don't have to list it now, but I will have to list it before all of the decisions are out. </p>
<p>I see the benefit in telling USC now that they are my first choice, but if I decide to do that and end up attending another school, will that prevent me from receiving the $2500 scholarship from the NMSC. On the other hand, if I receive the $2500 scholarship from NMSC, will that prevent me from getting USC's half tuition scholarship should I decide to go there? Overall, I'm just not getting the whole "First-Choice School" thing and would really appreciate help from someone familiar with the process.</p>
<p>Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>You do not have to decide a first choice school until next spring. The only exception is that some schools have earlier deadlines for large university sponsored awards. You should check with USC for their deadline.</p>
<p>kitkat… A student may only receive one “official” NMSC scholarship, and those include the $2500 one-time, corporate scholarships, or an “official” school-sponsored NMSC scholarship (usually in the range of $1K-$2K per year). Usually, if a university has an “official” $1K-$2K per year scholarship it’s listed seperately on their scholarship page, but I don’t see one on USC’s page. Their half-tuition scholarship would be considered an “unofficial” NM scholarship so on the surface it wouldn’t prevent you from possibly winning a $2500 one-time, but you need to check with USC directly. Some schools embed an official scholarship within a larger dollar unofficial scholarship, and if that’s the case with USC it would make you ineligible to receive a second “official” scholarship offer. I hate to give you an answer of “it depends”…but USC’s financial aid office should be able to clarify it for you.</p>
<p>Whether you list USC as your top choice now or leave it as Undecided shouldn’t matter much at this point, since you can always change it later (just don’t miss any school imposed deadlines). If you’re fairly certain you’d like to attend USC, it won’t hurt you to list it now. My understanding is that any NMF who lists USC as their top choice will receive the scholarship, but it technically is listed as a “will be considered for” as opposed to a guaranteed scholarship. Showing them you’re interested now can’t hurt, as long as none of your other schools offer large scholarships where you might need that top choice designation.</p>