Correct, one needs to declare BU as 1st choice on some NMF portal by March 1st. Also someone mentioned to me that they did change the wording on the website for this admissions season that NMF finalists will be considered for presidential scholarship (haven’t verified my self), compared to from the previous years. So this may indicate their shift away from a guaranteed award.
Also recently they have committed themselves to meeting 100% of need based on EFC. So perhaps made them divert some of the erstwhile funding for NMF to this channel?
May also depend on the major/school applied to within BU. The highly coveted ones will get a lot of high stats kids so competition will be high including for the awards. They may also have capped the awards given per school, major etc to certain limit.
Also there is another set of presidential awards given for the same amount independent of NMF standing. It is based on overall achievements, both academic and non academic.
There are thousands of amazing scholars that will be rejected from schools for no clear reason during a regular year. This year has been particularly challenging and unpredictable. There are multiple factors that go into the decision process and there is no “sure bet” for anyone at a high caliber university. Take heart that your son will be rewarded for his hard work somewhere. Best of luck!
Pls see the correction on their website abt presidential scholarship for NMFs…
High school seniors who have been chosen as National Merit finalists, and are offered admission to Boston University, will be considered for a four-year, $25,000 tuition BU Presidential Scholarship.
It says will be considered only, not guaranteed like USC.
Hi just wanted to pick your brain about a comparison of BU vs UCSD for BME. Since this is a BU thread so feel free to talk more about BU. Anything is greatly appreciated!
thank you!! and no, i did not. I am a national merit finalist, and i believe national merit finalists are automatically considered for the presidential scholarship
My S21 has the exact same situation and we reached out to the admission director. She confirmed that my son is indeed admitted as BME major, so I think the same applies to your case, hope this helps!
Agreed. My son had BU at the top of his list, but he immediately told me he no longer wanted to attend if his experience was through the London program. I am relieved, honestly, as it is too expensive. He wants to study abroad (and did an immersion program abroad for a foreign language after his sophomore year and had planned another after junior year that was cancelled by Covid). I am saying that he isn’t opposed to adventure, but London didn’t seem all that exciting if it didn’t really apply to his area of interest. He would rather choose a study abroad program that fits his major and interests. The gap semester and high price tag also just don’t appeal to him. This made his decision to no longer consider BU an easy one. He has other good choices.
Just curious…did BU assign CGS? My S specifically selected it on his application for the smaller liberal arts experience and study abroad before he focuses on his major. I’m sure it’s disappointing if it’s not what you signed up for.
BU assigned it. My guess is that it seemed to fit with his interest in study abroad, but he is ready to start this fall. He is considering his admission to NUin at Northeastern (and indicated interest in NUin on that application). They start in the fall and have choices in locations that are related to your major.
The BU CGS program sounds wonderful for the right student, so I hope it didn’t sound like I view it as a bad program. A gap semester fall isn’t what my son wants for his college experience. He has to narrow choices down somehow, so it is okay. He may decide to go with one of the schools that offered merit aid, and he can definitely study abroad later through any of those schools.
Thanks for explaining- some seem disappointed and I wondered what was behind it. The gap semester threw us off at first but now I’m bright-siding that it gives more time for lockdowns to be lifted to run these programs. We’re looking into research/volunteer/work opportunities for Fall if he goes this route. But that’s awesome yours is ready to go! I haven’t worn mine out with my jokes just yet…but getting close.
Can anyone throw some light on ‘Questrom School of Business’? Like its opportunities, academics, students’ vibe, grade inflation/deflation, career opportunities, internships, research, dual degree opportunities etc…Any info will be greatly appreciated. My S21 is been accepted and received 25K scholarship, from CA. Thank you!
also got guaranteed transfer. most likely going to attend wpi for the first year then transfer to BU.
electrical engineering major.
Sat: 1400
3 APs (macro 5, stats 5, world history 4)
strong essay
was initially deferred from bu during ed 2. I then sent a LOCI
Completely understand. No matter what I hear from my parents or friends, I know I just have to ride out the waves of letting go and moving on. Hope you are finding your way ahead to a great fit.
Admitted, Engingeering, with Honors College. Beyond thankful. BU was a Sweet Spot school for me and my Sweet Spot schools mostly didn’t find me a very sweet fit 1 Admit, 1 Priority Wait, 2 Not-A-Fits. (ouch, not nice!) My Safeties went 4/5. My reach…well let’s wait and see. Fingers crossed we all have something to celebrate! When your not a fit, embrace the SUCK and then breath it out. Somewhere you will be a hit!