<p>Maybe there has already been a thread about this but I couldn't find one. Is there any strategy in choosing which two schools to send his scores to? I assume the top schools get lots of kids sending scores so would it be better to send scores to schools he likes but that are more match than reach? We also have only visited about half the schools on his list--it's going to be a busy summer!</p>
<p>I don’t know how much it matters, but if you want to “maximize the benefit”, choose the schools that “participate” in NM program from his list (i.e. give money to finalists)</p>
<p>There’s a whole great forum about NMF scholarships. [National</a> Merit Scholarships - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/]National”>National Merit Scholarships - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>This isn’t for $, just a demonstration of interest: “Here’s a top student who’s considering your school. . .” Maybe they’ll send you more information.</p>
<p>It would probably be more strategic to notify schools that sponsor NM scholarships if that’s what you’re looking for. And if you don’t choose any schools or miss the deadline, it won’t hurt your chances.</p>
<p>I agree that it really isn’t that big a deal; I doubt it there is any significant advantage. Some schools give application fee waivers to the students who send them; Rice did a year ago.</p>
<p>Thanks for the link to the other forum–not sure why I couldn’t find that one on my own! There were threads that discussed just what I was looking for. My son will only be commended so I was just looking for information on sending scores as a demonstration of interest in a school.</p>