<p>Daughter competed for, and was granted, some amazing scholarships at her University. One is brand new, one is for half tuition, and the major award she competed for is a scholarship that covers all tuition fees/room and board. Got her financial aid award today...looks like they have figured out ways to spread the pot around -- some is the Presidential 1/2 tuition award, some is the new scholarship, some is the super-duper award. The school states that each NMF who names them first choice (she has, and they received the notice) is also awarded a college-sponsored scholarship. Now, they've said she would not receive any additional dollars (although I'd love to think that "unrestricted" could be defined as "additional up to cost of attendance"...but they say no). HOWEVER, it seems she's met the criteria to be considered a college-sponsored National Merit Scholar at that school, even if it's just a matter of them shifting the same amount of dollars into a different column.</p>
<p>It's important to her that she receives the "Scholar" nod, even if she's (thank heaven!) fully funded, and won't receive any more funds. Is this something we can request? From the school, or NM?</p>
<p>To get the designation, then that part of the scholarship needs to go “thru” NMCorp (I know, it sounds nutty). </p>
<p>I agree with you, that your D should get some kind a NMF scholarship if the college’s info indicates that they give them to every NMF student. Does the info indicate that?</p>
<p>Yes…the school states that she just needs to list them as first choice… Does she need to wait until the April date that NMSC mails the letters, or is it better to contact the school now to see what they’re planning to do? (i.e. does NMSQ make the decisions on school-sponsored awards, assuming the applicant has passed through all the hoops, or does the school tell NMSQ to go ahead and send the letter?) Don’t want this to fall through the cracks! Even though she probably won’t get more money, “scholar” matters to her.</p>
<p>What will happen is that the college will adjust the awards so that one small portion is the NMSC award which allow her to call her a National Merit Scholar. National Merit Scholar gives the college bragging rights, so your total award package will not change, the components within in it will change. I would not worry too much, name the college as your first choice.</p>
<p>What will happen is that the college will adjust the awards so that one small portion is the NMSC award which allow her to call her a National Merit Scholar</p>
<p>This is the part that you need to check with the school. What Maze has written is true, but only if the school actually does this process. They may not “think it all thru” and realize that some of the money needs to go “thru” NMC in order for your D to be named a NMS.</p>