Merit Aid for NMSF in light of Rochester Discontinuing Participation

Hi everyone. My son visited and loved Rochester. We went on the Research Rochester day and it was a very informative day, well run, and who doesn’t want to go to school near a Wegmans?

We had put Rochester on his list as he’s a NMSF and we thought there was a high merit award associated with this. After we visited, we looked more closely and saw this language on the website: “The National Merit University of Rochester Scholarship Program has been discontinued as of the conclusion of the 2021 competition.” I really wonder when this language was posted as we were surprised to see it. I’m not sure we’d have visited if we’d known as the goal of this whole process was to NOT fall in love with a school we can’t afford!

Obviously, he could still qualify for some merit, but I guess it’s not a guarantee. Nor is admission these days! I was just wondering if anyone has inquired as to the thinking about this? I guess it gives Rochester more flexibility in awarding the money. Will that hurt us? The website also appears to state that merit awards are need blind (“We distribute merit-based aid regardless of a family’s demonstrated financial need.”). So, hopefully not?

I know we should just wait and see, but my son is getting impatient and either wants to commit or formulate a plan - i.e. he’s going to Purdue or Case (where he got nice merit) UNLESS Rochester comes through! And yes, I know they are all different schools - it’s how the cookie crumbled for us in this crazy year.

Thanks in advance.

My DD also NMSF already got admitted due to combined medical program only got $7,000.00 merit so don’t hope for much.

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