Just curious, do you think being designated a National Merit Finalist helps you to gain admission at Vanderbilt.
I don’t know that it helps with admission but (as of the latest Annual Report that I could find 2013-2014), Vanderbilt had 175 college-sponsored NM scholarships. So, if it doesn’t affect any other of your options, you could put them as First Choice now and they will get your name as a Finalist early in March. Still doesn’t mean admissions will see it though. Since they do participate in the program, I would notify admissions of your updated status as NMF. Can’t hurt.
Thanks - since they take that many NMFs, it is our hope that all things being equal, it will push it towards an acceptance.