Chance average GPA, strong EC's student for dream ED school [VA Resident, 3.75 UW, 35 ACT, NMSF, need FA; public policy, international relations, economics, cognitive science]

[fiftyfifty1]

Schools in the North that give substantial merit for NMF status include University of Maine, Fordham, BU (but amounts getting smaller), and NEU (also getting smaller.)

Here is a thread about the NMSF/NMF schools and their characteristics:

Big merit NMF/NMSF schools and their specialties

I was hoping to create a thread that describes the schools that offer Big Merit for NMF/NMSF status. In particular what is the vibe of each school? What strong programs does each school offer? Other standout features of each school? Particular amenities? Possible downsides? Also, what schools are “overlaps” with each school? ETA: By “overlap” I include schools that may be better known/more rejective, and the NMF/NMSF school can act as an admission and financial safety (or may be your first choice.)