Class of 2020 National Merit Discussion

Hello. I just called National Merit as I am concerned I might have missed a letter mixed in with junk mail as I wasn’t specifically looking. They confirmed that they have all the information they need and that no letter has been sent. However, he clearly stated that the majority of letters have been sent but not all. I was too frazzled to ask for clarification as to later mailings. Anyone know what he might have been referring to?

Thank you, kagster. That helps so much. I’ll reach out to him today. Thank you very much for his address.

@2tiredmomma it is not too late. UTDallas also still has time for her to get their NM scholarship. Also, time is short but this one (not a full ride) is in WA and is still available https://admission.wsu.edu/scholarships/national-merit/

that seems contradictory-lol! i think he may have meant “no letter has been sent TO YOU” but “the majority of letters have been sent to the REJECTED SEMI FINALISTS but not all.” (caps for emphasis–not yelling at you-lol)

i do not know what “but not all” means, but i guess it could mean that they have a few rejection letters left to send which is a downer.

Ugh, I guess it is back to being nervous everyday when the email comes from
Informed Delivery. I was just starting to feel good about this…

Could it be that those rejection letters have to do with low SAT scores? If I am not mistaken, the deadline to send SAT scores is January 31st. They may be waiting to see if there are any updates for those who have low scores or haven’t sent any.

Thanks for this perspective. I appreciate it!

@2tiredmomma, UCF is still an option - and it’s a great one! Strong honors college, amazing apartment-like honors dorms, I have consistently heard they treat their NMF students very well!

U of A is still in play as well…web site is a bit confusing re: scholarship deadlines so I called.

Even though I can’t think of a reason why my daughter wouldn’t move to NMF, I’ll still be happy to have the official notification.

Thank you so much! I will look into UTDallas and WSU as well. I appreciate everyone’s help. It has relieved quite a bit of our stress here knowing she still might have a chance! This has been unbelievably helpful. Thank you.

Thanks for all the helpful information! It seems like the year is flying by waiting to hear back from various organizations. Doing my best to set the proper tone for S to enjoy the time. But I can get caught up in the emotions checking mail 2-3 x per day.

@2tiredmomma

You may wish to look at U Nevada Reno as well, though all application materials need to be in by February 1 according to this page:

https://www.unr.edu/financial-aid/understanding-financial-aid/scholarships/national-merit

(I don’t have personal experience, but it’s one of the schools that I asked my D20 to look at.)

@2tiredmomma Congratulations! I agree with kagster - reach out to Luke immediately! He is much loved by the cc NMF community for the incredible personal support he provides to NMF students at UCF.

Thank you for all the suggestions and help! Our school hasn’t had a NMSF in many years and the last time was with a different principal/staff. I feel like we haven’t been able to get many answers or help in our area so this has been an amazing place to get information. DD reached out to Luke yesterday and we are looking at some other schools mentioned above. Thank you again.

Anyone else receive the dreaded rejection letter yet? Nothing here! I’m afraid to get too excited.

UNM has a 2/1 deadline for NMS. Full-ride (at least until funds to hand out run out).

@2tiredmomma my son just got mail from University of North Texas yesterday encouraging him to apply as they have a 4-year full-ride scholarship for NMF (and free application) so it must not be too late to apply there either.

I’ve question on UTD’s NMF scholarship. In their program overview, it’s stated:

Incoming National Merit Scholars will receive complete coverage of UT Dallas tuition and mandatory fees for eight semesters, a $4,000 per semester cash stipend to defray the costs of books, supplies, and other expenses, a $1,500 per semester housing stipend for students living on-campus (only applicable for University Village, University Commons, or Canyon Creek), and a one-time award of up to $6,000 for an international study abroad program.

It only gives $1,500 per semester housing stipend, so my question is UTD a full ride for NMF? Seems like there’ll be differences that I have to cover for housing. I can’t find any other info and I was trying to search CC for info but couldn’t find it. Can anyone help clarify it? Thanks!

You can use the $4k per semester cash stipend plus the $1500 per semester housing stipend to cover Room and Board first year you many have to pay $100 or so per semester pedending on the meal plan but following years you can move into cheaper on campus apartments and ditch the $$ meal plan.

Room and Board Freshman year is about 11,500 per year so 4,000 + 1500= 5500 x 2= $11,000 so that leaves about $250 a semester. DH is now in the appartments, he and his roomates cook and he’s banking the extra stipend $

Thanks @3scoutsmom ! Your strategy will help me navigate how to stretch those $$ if DS chooses UTD.

Do you know approximately how much do we have to pay for books?

Books really depend on the classes but the proffs try to give affordable options. The first semester was the highestest about $200 because of on line access fees for books (there were several titles available and I can’t remember how long the subscription covered it was at least a full year could have been longer) and workbooks for his Chineses class - these also covered two semesters. Mostly he’s been able to use books on line, or rent them very cheaply. The honors college also keeps a library of text books in their 24 hour access lounge that students can read there.

DH got has an outside scholarship from his father’s employer that he uses to cover books and supplies. His books for DE classes in high school and AP fees were much more expensive than his small out of pocket costs at UTD.

UTD also covers small things that can add up at other schools, all students can get a free public transit pass for the city buses and light rail, laundry is free for both on campus dorms and appartments and DH has been able to get tickets to plays and concerts through the honors colllege.