<p>OK, so I got to be a semi-finalist in the National Merit thing. I'm assuming I'll be a finalist b/c my SAT is better than my PSAT, my grades are great, and I know I'll get a really nice recommendation. Here's the thing: what's the big deal? Do i get any money or is it just a nice piece of paper that says "good job"? I know I want to go to Emory which offers some scholarship for it, but do i just get $1,000 or do I get some real financial help? I heard somewhere that it is renewable for four years of tuition, but I'm thinking that's not correct. </p>
<p>Each school is different in what they offer for national merit. While I don't know much about Emory, if Emory offers $1000 a year, chances are you won't get any outside scholarships.</p>
<p>Most of the college-sponsored NM scholarships are renewable for four years. If you are selected for a $2500 NM-sponsored scholarship, then it is one-time only.</p>
<p>There are several different scholarships available to NMF's--so by all means, fill out the paperwork and make sure that it is in in time. Many companies ( you are given a list) give scholarships to employees children or to students in a particular field who are finalists. Many schools give very generous amts of money to finalists--they will get your name and will send you information--you may change your mind about where you go if the offer is high enough- and lastly, there are scholarships given out by the NM corporation. You will also be an a much better position to obtain local scholarships (if you apply) if you have the Finalist designation. My D's school gave the standard $1,000/year because it was listed with the NM corp., but on top of that, they gave much, much more in additional scholarship for being a finalist.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure that Ohio State gives full in-state tuition and half room and board to NM finalists. That's just an example of what's out there. Generally, lesser colleges give more to NM finalists.</p>
<p>While the official National Merit scholarships given by colleges are pretty limited (usually around $1000, usually renewable for 4 years) getting the finalist designation will often bump you up in what a university will offer you from their own scholarship dollars. How much depends on how much that particular school values National Merit Scholars. Do the paperwork (even though it's long and seems like lots of work for little gain). You will probably be surprised what's offered..... Emory mentions National Merit as one factor in their Emory Scholars program, although just getting finalist status won't get you the scholarship.<br>
Beyond that, a couple of your "financial safety" schools could be those that offer great NM packages.</p>