<p>After looking at the essay prompt for national merit and 2-3 hours of painful essay writing, I have managed to come up with probably one of the worst essays I have managed to write. I just can't seem to write very well on the essay prompt, even though the question is so simple.</p>
<p>Because of this, I am very worried that I won't be able to make it to finalist. I believe all my other things are good enough to advance but I'm worried that my horrible essay will get me cut off. Does anyone know how important the essay is to advance? Thanks!</p>
<p>Don't worry about the essay. I believe where it will get most weight is the money given by the corp itself. I have heard others say they only had 1 day to throw it together, that it was lame. On reasons why people don't make it to finalist, its not even listed as a reason. Not writing it would be, but don't worry about it seriously. If you feel the need, get one of your English teachers to read over it.</p>
<p>You still have time to have it looked over by English teacher or parent. Make sure its grammatically correct, no misspellings etc. Sometimes others can give a fresh perspective, or constructive criticism.</p>
<p>I just managed to write a new essay that I think is a lot better. Interestingly, I did not actually write it for NMSF, it was actually an intro letter about me for AP Statistics, but I think it fits the prompt. :)</p>
<p>If it makes you feel better, my son hasn't even received official notification from his school yet. The head of guidance bumped into him in the cafeteria and told him he'd call him down to the office to give him the packet sometime "soon". I imagine he'll end up having one weekend to complete whatever he has to do.</p>
<p>My son's school has not notified anyone either! I am chomping at the bit to call the GC in charge, but am trying to convince myself to let her perform her duties as she sees fit since she's been doing it for 20 years or more! That said, I am getting nervous about what exactly needs to be done and when it needs to be done by. If anyone can post the minimum details then I will know when to go into emergency mode (i.e. call the gc and ask for the packet). Thanks!</p>
<p>See the NMF score thread, it has great info on the process. Sounds like every semi gets the packet for two days. Hope my son gets it on Friday!! He hasn't received any word on nomination, etc yet, but from the thread listed above, appears he will qualify.</p>
<p>1st - The National Merit Corporation sends the info to the principal...there's a chance the GC wont have much to do w/ it at all
2nd - If your principal or GC or whomever read the material thoroughly, you son/daughter should already have their packet</p>
<p>In your own words, describe your personal characteristics, accomplishments, primary interests, plans, and goals. What sets you apart? Your essay should be about 500 words. Material exceeding this space cannot be used:</p>
<p>The space is big enough to fit a 500 word essay in a standard 12 font. </p>
<p>Hope this keeps your child busy tomorrow! Our GC's require this essay by September 27th in a Word doc that they then attach to the form and mail all aps together to make the NMS deadline of October 12th.</p>