First Choice College

Paying for College National Merit Aid
1

<p>Does it make a difference if I list a first choice college now on my NM Finalist application? I have a tentative first choice, but I will probably know whether or not I want to attend after visiting. So should I still list it now, while I'm not sure if it is in first place with me, or at a tie - or should I wait until February to report my first choice in time for the priority March 1st deadline?</p>

<p>The options are: accredited college (must name a college), undecided, or unaccredited college. Because you must eventually attend an accredited college to receive the scholarship, I don't want them thinking that I might attend an unaccredited college. Also, will it notify the college that I report as my first choice now? Because I feel that would be advantageous as far as "demonstrating interest" goes.</p>

<p>I know that I can report a first choice college until around May 1st, but I'm just worried that most people report a college rather than undecided...</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your input!</p>

2

<p>This is a good question. So it’s true a student has until May 1st to decide on their first choice? Is that really true? How does a student pick a first choice? When they’re notified about finalist status? When is that? (I’m sure I can find the info somewhere)</p>

<p>My son has 3 schools that he might consider for first choice-it’s a tough one.</p>

3

<p>If I already named a first choice in my application, can I still change it up until May?</p>

4

<p>Generally speaking, you can change until a scholarship is offically offered you. It can be as late as May 1, but usually is around April. You can stay undecided until you know of the status of your applications and then decide.</p>

5

<p>I found this helpful:</p>

<p>[Carleton</a> College: Admissions: Tips for National Merit Scholars](<a href=“http://apps.carleton.edu/admissions/afford/national_merit_tips/]Carleton”>http://apps.carleton.edu/admissions/afford/national_merit_tips/)</p>

6

<p>@sbjdorlo Some schools require or prefer that you decide earlier. I’m not sure if May 1st is the National Merit deadline, or just “College Decision Day” (when most or many colleges require that you put down a deposit to their school if you plan on attending). I have this feeling that the deadline that National Merit has is actually May 31st or something random but few if any colleges use that deadline.</p>

<p>Yes, I am applying to only schools with some amount of National Merit money, including two schools that offer full tuition scholarships. If I’m fortunate enough to be offered admission to more than one scholarship school, things are gonna get crazy as far as my sanity goes :smiley: Luckily, I have the one first choice I’m leaning towards!</p>

<p>March 1 is the first date where they will notify your preferred school, so I guess if you don’t indicate a first choice now in the app, you choose it before March 1 or as late as May 1 (or whatever the deadline is).</p>

<p>@entomom: Thanks, I’d seen that webpage but hadn’t remember what they said about 1st choice! “Indicating ‘undecided’ gives you the option to change your mind at the last minute.” I like that concept, so I’m glad I just went ahead and stayed undecided :)</p>

7

<p>That’s what both my kids did and it worked out fine for them.</p>