If I don't get a college-sponsored award, do I automatically get it from NMSC?

<p>I would appreciate some help :)</p>

<p>I was accepted ED into Pomona, but they only offer around 6 NMF awards every year and I assume that it's need-based which I don't qualify for. If I don't receive a college sponsored NMF award, will I still receive the $2500 from NMSC?</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>Nevermind, apparently it’s a “random” selection process for the $2500 award. </p>

<p>But to increase my chances, should I not list Pomona as my first choice since I’m assuming that the NMSC awards and college-sponsored awards don’t overlap?</p>

<p>If Pomona is need based, don’t list Pomona. List a school that guarantees you money if you list them as your first choice.</p>

<p>Once you know for sure that you’re going to Pomona (and not elsewhere), you should name Pomona as your number one. That way, if you get any NMF money, it can be used instead of loans or student contribution.</p>

<p>Schools don’t generally give you everything in free grants. There are often loans in FA pkgs, work-study in FA pkgs…and there often is a “student summer contribution” included. So, merit can often be used to reduce those.</p>