<p>this is an unrelated question, but what do we need to do to get from semifinalist to finalist status besides take the SAT, do we need to fill out an application or anything?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure there are 16,000 semifinalist and 15,000 finalists. So basically if you just fill out some form you recieve after your named semifinalsit you're named a finalist. Then, if you get into Rice you're guaranteed to get a merit scholarship from Rice ranging from $750 to $2000, to possibly more. However, this merit aid replaces an equal amount of need-based grant aid. In other words, if you are on financial aid, your bottom line cost will not change, but if you are not on finanical aid, then the scholarship is 'useful'. Either way, though, it's nice to be named a national merit scholar.</p>
<p>OK, I got the app fee waiver in the mail today. Pretty excited. Sorry I doubted you before; I just thought that if they were gonna send something, they would have when they received the notification that we designated them as our top choice schools.
Do other schools do this? My other school was UChi.</p>
<p>Anyway, let me know how to use that waiver on the common app if you ever figure it out too. I'm pretty confused right now.</p>
<p>To advance to National Merit Finalist standing, you have to fill out an application which includes an essay. It's actually quite a bit like a short college application, and I used my NM essay for a few schools.</p>
<p>whats the deadline for rising seniors to fill out this application? Will they send it to us or is it an online thing>?</p>
<p>You can do both.</p>
<p>Search Rice's website for deadlines.</p>
<p>err to be more specific, I mean the applicaiton to become a NM finalist from semifinalist, not to apply to Rice</p>
<p>So if we have our admission waived can we just send in Part I without any money?</p>
<p>I don't think you get the NM application until September.</p>
<p>My son got the "Congratulations/Rice is complimented that you designated Rice..." letter, dated August 4th. Nowhere in the letter did it indicate an application fee waiver.</p>
<p>It sounds like you, too, got this letter & subsequently received another letter giving you the fee waiver - is that correct? If so, how much later did the waiver come?</p>
<p>I wonder if we are out of luck because we already sent in the application fee with Part I of the application. Would be a bummer, since we are low-income, but not enough to qualify for the usual waiver (free/reduced lunch type).</p>
<p>swkmom, it came in the same letter, on the 11th.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how else I can help you.</p>
<p>Well, thanks for replying anyway.</p>
<p>I did the same thing. I already sent in part I before I got the thank you letter and fee waiver :(</p>
<p>OK, I have an idea about not paying.</p>
<p>Mail the app and put the letter saying that you get a fee waiver along with it?</p>
<p>Either way, I'll probably email an admissions rep sometime soon about it and let you guys know what he/she says.</p>
<p>If you want to talk to admissions, I would advise calling.</p>
<p>Do they not reply to emails? Hmm.</p>
<p>Well, I shall do both then. Thanks.</p>
<p>It usually takes a while for them to read the e-mails.</p>