National Merit Application essay consideration

Paying for College National Merit Aid
1

Class of 2017 NM Semifinalist here. So back in September when I turned in my National Merit Scholarship application, I wrote a good essay (used my college essay), but in my haste, I turned in the application without realizing that my essay was like 5 words over the word count. Yikes.

The stupid application box where you paste your essay into didn’t alert me of my mistake. After I turned in my application, I received the pdf version of the application and realized: The last sentence of my essay was cutoff. I’m actually really terrified that this could render my application invalid or something.

15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists advance to Finalist standing, right? I mean, that sounds like I have a good chance of making it. But what if I’m part of the 1,000 that don’t? I hate having this uncertainty hovering over my head and I can’t wait to receive that envelope in February with NMC’s final decision.

I’m considering going to a school that offers a full tuition scholarship + stipends for food, books, study abroad, and housing for National Merit Finalists. I’m doing this for both myself and to give back to my immigrant parents, who gave their blood, sweat, and tears through college in order to pave a way into America for their family.

Wow. That was a lot. Okay, so my question is: do you guys know how much consideration is given to the essay portion of National Merit applications? Do I have a true shot at this?

2

I think you’re fine. From what I have heard, as long as you have good grades/GPA and a qualifying SAT score, you are pretty much in. The 1,000 that don’t make it to finalist standing are those who applied ED to a school/attending a school that does not offer National Merit packages.

Hopefully everything works out for you!

3

@megxhan You should be fine. My son’s college counselor said the purpose of the essay is to make sure the applicant can write a decent essay. They won’t penalize you for have the last few words cut off. Maintaining your grades and a confirming SAT score is important.

4

I’m sure this happens a LOT. We’ve never heard of anyone being rejected because of this.

Rejection letters likely went out last Friday, so if you don’t get one in the next 10 days, you’re likely fine.

5

Is there a worry thread for national merit rejection letters yet? I am dreading every trip to the mailbox. My son is likely fine but I have very little faith in bureaucracy these days.

6

I want a worry thread too! Can’t believe the time has finally arrived to start worrying about this! LOL.