<p>I've recently been named an Ohio National Merit Semi-Finalist and am in the process of filling out the application required to become a Finalist. I've already begun receiving emails from colleges congratulating me and encouraging me to put them down as my intended first-choice on the application. I already know that I plan on EDing to Emory. Is it alright to put down another school as my first choice on the Natinoal Merit application (one that offers better scholarships)? Will writing down a school increase/decrease my chances of getting into the school I put down OR into Emory? For example, if I wrote down on the application that the University of Southern California was my first choice (even though I'm EDing to Emory) because they offer finalists half-tuition, would I have a better chance of getting into USC because I showed interest? Would it hurt my chances because they know that they would have to give me a scholarship if they accepted me? Would it hurt my chances of getting into Emory because I expressed interest elsewhere? </p>
<p>As for the overall question: does being a National Merit Finalist/Scholar make it easier to get into college? Do they even care? Is it really as prestigious as some people say it is? </p>
<p>Thanks a lot for your answers! </p>
<p>Applications will be due before you’re named a finalist. You can call yourself a semifinalist, and some schools will care, because they like to brag about how many finalists they have attending. If you see that mentioned anywhere in a school’s materials, then they probably care, even if they offer no awards of their own.</p>
<p>Remember you don’t need to choose ANY school till way past the time when schools will considering your application. Just leave it blank for now.</p>
<p>@WasatchWriter is correct that applications will be due before you know whether you are even a finalist. And you will know about your ED admission decision well before that. However, if you are not accepted ED, schools will know if you have them named as first choice or not during the regular admissions cycle and for later scholarship applications so you probably update schools to which you have submitted Regular Admission applications when you get Finalist notification. How important that is will vary from school to school but it can’t hurt. As far as schools knowing who has named them as First Choice, the timing is such that the first batch is sent from NMSC to schools on or about March 1, and then a couple subsequent batches are sent until a final one sent after May 31st. You are allowed to change your First Choice school or back and forth to undeclared as often as you want. </p>
<p>You must have a first choice listed by May 31 as far as NMSC is concerned, but several large state schools require that designation by May 1st to get their larger National Merit Finalist package . A few schools even require applicants to be in that first batch in March for their larger scholarships. You have to pay attention to the required dates for each school to which you are applying.</p>
<p>Right now just put down Undecided. If you don’t get into Emory ED then you have until May to decide where you want to go, and what school you want to put down as 1st choice. (If you are going to go early decision, make sure that you know that you and your parents can afford the school, and that you won’t change your mind. I personally don’t like early decisions because things change from September to May but understand why some people apply ED for reach schools/hard to get in schools.)</p>
<p>Son was NM corporate winner. He was offered 1/2 tuition at USC. 1/2 tuition is only $20k. How will you pay the other $40k? (Room and board are extremely expensive in So Cal.). When compared to other schools USC’s offer was really low.</p>
<p>OP, if you do get into Emory, it looks like they will award $2,000 if you end up being a National Merit Finalist. I just looked up the tuition though…a very expensive school unless you get financial aid and/or scholarships.
<a href=“Grants and Scholarships | Emory University | Atlanta GA”>Financial Aid at Emory | Emory University | Atlanta GA;
<p>OP, I know you didn’t ask but here is a great article from college board reading the pros and cons of early decision.
<a href=“Early Decision and Early Action – Counselors | College Board”>http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/early</a></p>
<p>Also here is the information on applying ED for Emory. Note that it is a binding acceptance and your parents and guidance counselors have to sign. From a mom of 3 who are in/or have been in college, when you get that financial package sometimes it is surprising. Make sure you parents know the possible COA of Emory before you commit.
<a href=“Early Decision | Emory University | Atlanta GA”>http://apply.emory.edu/apply/ed.php</a></p>
<p>@"aunt bea" how is your comment relevant to this thread</p>
<p>I believe “aunt bea” was commenting on the OP’s original comment about USC, as that appears to be a school that the OP might be considering. I think the point is well taken. The full cost of attendance is something to really consider, especially if going ED at Emory.</p>
<p>Not that it is any of my business, 15amiale, but you should consider applying to at least one “full ride” type school. You never know what will happen between now and the end date for those scholarships, but it is nice to know that if a financial emergency does not allow you to attend Emory, at least you have a back up plan. There are some schools, like UCF, that will waive the application fee, do not require an essay, etc. It is easy to apply, and they might even invite you to personally come see the school. Please consider having one of these in reserve.</p>
<p>A lot of NMF’s don’t get admitted to USC. . . Have you looked into the Emory Scholars program? It’s highly selective, but it’s a significant merit scholarship.</p>
<p>I would always encourage students to apply for NMS Finalist. It’s an award that you can list on applications for other scholarships. In addition, many colleges who are not part of the official NMS program will offer significant grants to Finalists. Students I have worked with have been offered grants from colleges because of their Finalist standing. </p>