D is torn between BIG university UF (a college sponsor for Benacquisto consideration) and a nearby LITTLE college (not a sponsor, but an “eligible institution”) which has offered her an in-house “Full-Ride”. While it will be reduced some, I think she can stack the Benacquisto with the in house Full-Ride but ONLY if she is a NM scholar (one time $2,500). I see the National Merit Scholarships (one time $2,500) winners are announced on May 10th and that the 1st choices must be made by May 31st. So, shouldn’t we wait until after May 10th? We would pay housing deposit and preview but leave our options open a little longer. Benacquisto rules state : “Once the National Merit Scholarship Corporation has mailed out an offer, the student will not be able to change the institution designation.” Is anyone here using the Benacquisto at an eligible institution? Thoughts? Advice?
Lots of info on the UF forum. I can answer your questions privately or scroll through the UF forum. PM me and I am happy to help! Daughter is at UF on Benacquisto as is her roomie.
I saw some threads on the UF forum on Benacquisto and the recent bill on FL education funding.
I am still somewhat confused on the actual processing and dates. There are three parties involved. The institution, the NMSC, and the FL Department of Education.
I am a National Merit Finalist, lives in Florida, accepted to enroll at the University of Miami for the fall of 2017, have designated UM as a first choice college on April 27 2017. But I am still confused as to where it goes from there since there is no application necessary.
I recently received a bill from UM for the fall semester and it does not reflect the Benacquisto scholarship, not a big surprise because I understand the fund is not disbursed until September. However what is surprising is UM didn’t even include the college sponsored NM scholarship (which I don’t remember whether it’s $1000, or $2000) which seems to indicate may be they are not providing a college sponsored NM scholarship to me?
My understanding is that the NM college sponsored scholarship is “automatic” as long as you are a NMF and you designate the institution as a first choice. Once that happens you will be given a college sponsored scholarship, and I do know whatever that is will be washed out by Bright Futures anyways but as long as you have a college sponsored NM scholarship from a participating institution that is what leads to the Benacquisto scholarship.
My parents are a bit nervous about the whole process on how these parts are going to come together. The UM bill is due by the end of July so we have to pay it first?
A call to UM financial aid they referred us to the FL department of education for details. Then a call to FL DOE they referred us back to UM, while the UM person knowledgeable about the Benacquisto is not available to talk over the phone. I can contact the institution, the NMSC or the FL DOE, not quite sure which one is the one I should start with (and be persistent with). Is there not a “shepherd” of the entire process? Is there any confirmation that you received from anyone along the way after you designated first choice institution?
This discussion is one reason why my daughter chose UCF for her National Merit scholarship/Benaquisto - they have a dedicated NM Scholarship point person assigned to help all the National Merit semifinalists and scholars with everything! Any question is easily and quickly answered. I love them! He also met with all the new students at the beginning of the year and did a presentation about using the scholarship and avoiding pitfalls. I love that they dedicate resources to helping the NM students (all the scholarship kids) be successful.