How does National Merit work at UMD-CP?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Maryland - College Park
1

My son got offered a National Merit Scholarship ($2500). UMD-CP sponsors scholarships (below), but when I called the financial aid office they said that National Merit office decides who gets them not UMD. My question is, will we automatically get one of the college awards, and if we do, and will it be in place of the $2500 award?

“The University of Maryland serves as a sponsoring institution for students selected by NMSC to receive the College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship award. Students selected for the UM Sponsored Merit award will receive a four-year renewable scholarship ranging from $1,000-$2,000/year.”

2

I’m curious how it works too. My daughter is a Finalist.

3

@teddad123 My daughter received her National Merit Finalist letter in the mail today. She has to accept the offer through NMSC and it will be sent to UMD.

4

Last year my son was a NM Finalist. He did not get the $2,500 scholarship from the NMSC. UMD offered him a $5K scholarship for being a NMF, in addition to another merit scholarship.That was last year, though.