<p>I'm not sure if this is supposed to go here or in some other section, but heres my basic question. On the "Requirements and Instructions for Semifinalists" handbook for the national merit scholarship it said</p>
<p>A Finalist who has reported a sponsor college as first choice by march 1 will be included in the first group referred to that institution for scholarship consideration. Periodically, NMSC will notify sponsors of additional finalists who have reported (by May 31) the college or university as their first choice.</p>
<p>I listed (stupidly) University of Pennsylvania as my first choice on my NMS app, and have neglected (procrastination) to change it to USC (my current first choice.) Because it is now after march 1, will I be at a disadvantage in any way in receiving the half tuition granted to finalists?</p>
<p>no as long as you change it asap..i think the deadline is some day in mid april...it shudnt affect your scholarship cause all nmf's are guaranteed the half ride upon admission as long as its your #1 choice by the date given by NM in april</p>
<p>Agreed--you have until some date in April to make your final designation of 1st choice school. I'd contact your HS college counselor today & try to get this straightened out. IF you have ANY doubt about which choice to list as your 1st choice, you can do what my S did & choose undecided until you're POSITIVE as to which school you'll be attending in the fall. We designated USC when we were positive that would be his school, well after 4/1.</p>
<p>Don't stress, you have time, but get the designated school changed to undecided or whatever you prefer right away. Faxes to National Merit work well; I preferred that to sending things via certified mail, return receipt requested.</p>
<p>I believe so, but to be sure, I called & spoke with the folks at USC about the matter & got the name of the individual I spoke with last spring. She was very helpful.
In my case, I spoke with the associate dean of admissions and financial aid --tho the only aid we sought & got was merit aid (no need).</p>
<p>It's peculiar, but I was called by one of my scholarship interviewers who wanted to ask if I was a finalist. I am, but I was surprised they didn't know that yet directly from NMSC. Maybe they just didn't have access to the list at the moment.</p>