<p>Doing that is cheap insurance for $9600. ;) I'd say it is worth it.</p>
<p>I am a National Merit Semifinalist. I am pretty sure I will advance to Finalist standing. However, FSU only awards their scholarships to incoming freshman, so because I worked hard and graduated in three years (with 24 credits, not the hyphenated 18 credit plan), I'm not eligible for the scholarship. The way I see it, if FSU doesn't want to recognize my merit as an obviously dedicated student because they have other business interests, they can count on not receiving anything from me in the future as an alumni. I think I'm going to tell them that, but I'm not really sure who to tell.</p>
<p>Try contacting Amelia Mann
<a href="mailto:amann@admin.fsu.edu">amann@admin.fsu.edu</a>
Phone:850-644-1270
She is the signature on the university scholarship letter and should be able to answer your questions.</p>
<p>It's important to also note that now you are competing with many other talented and focused students. The pool has become much deeper and wider, so to speak.</p>
<p>With this in mind, keeping a positive attitude and your academic work at high levels WILL be noticed. The faculty does look for such effort and resilience - you can count on it. Academia can be quite tough and the competition very intense. The faculty have a very good idea what you're going through and can help.</p>
<p>There are numerous other awards for accomplished students, both undergrad and graduate. I would suggest you discuss your options and concerns with your adviser or possibly a faculty member in your area of interest with whom you have rapport. The Honors Office is also an excellent place to consider.</p>
<p>Bump - due to fresh interest.</p>
<p>UCF’s is much better – $40,000 if you’re a National Merit finalist. No questions asked. (:</p>
<p>Post #22 is scary. If I graduate with my 30+ credits and enter as a sophomore, I can’t get any of the scholarships…? I talked with a student on collegeweeklive awhile ago and they said that regardless of whether or not I come in with enough credits to qualify as a sophomore, I’m still considered a freshman for the first year (or semester, maybe). </p>
<p>Does anyone know if that’s true? If not, I guess I’ll ask about it after Dec. 9th.</p>