<p>My D (h.s. junior) received notification today that her PSAT score qualifies her for the first step in the National Merit Scholarship Program. (Of course, we won't find out until Sept. if she makes the cut-off for NM.) She has the option of sending her info to two colleges. MIT is her dream school, but I don't think that MIT gives NM scholarships. Is there any advantage in putting MIT down as one of her two choices? Two other colleges she's considering (one a slight reach, one a safety) <em>do</em> give NM scholarships. Any advice is appreciated! </p>
<p>I went ahead and put down Yale for one of my choices, even though they give out absolutely nothing to anyone for merit. I think that sending something like this to a school like that shows interest in that school, and that they aren't in the usual HYPSM application for the billion other kids who apply. Of course, I'm sure a ton of other people will send in their scores to MIT, but it won't hurt, especially if your D's other option is sending in her scores to a safety school. I think in the later rounds you are allowed to change your choices, so if your D changes her mind or finds MIT impossible for whatever reason, she can change it. I think this referral thing only indicates to the colleges that there's this smart kid looking at them a lot, so they can know who to send stuff to in the mail and that sort of thing and see who really wants to go there. I'm pretty sure you can always tell your safety school later on that you were a NM whatever and get that money, unless they have specific rules such as they only give money if they were the first pick (which I think some do).</p>
<p>you know, i just got a letter form the NMSC as well...and i had the same question! Not for MIT but for Yale...I think it won't hurt, at least. And if there's ANY chance of your D going to a safety school if she gets a full ride to a safety school, then put that school down on the NMSC form.</p>
<p>I called MIT this morning and asked the admissions office the question in my original post. The person I spoke with said that MIT will accept "unofficial" documentation regarding National Merit and that it would probably be more advantageous for my D to list other colleges on the NM choices since MIT does not give NM scholarships. She indicated that it would definitely be a good idea to let MIT know of NM status as "supportive" information in the MIT application process, but that this information does not necessarily have to come directly from NM. (In other words, my D's high school can write something up documenting NM status and that can be included when she applies.)</p>
<p>I'm not sure what this all means. NYU is probably my top choice. I don't know if they care about things like this. I mean if I apply there early decision, I probably don't have to signal interest to them right? If they do give a scholarship for National Merit does it matter if I send this to them now? Should you send it to reaches or schools that have a better chance of taking you?</p>
<p>Arkansas Mom: A question for you. Did the letter come in the mail directly from National Merit, or was it distributed by the school? What is the deadline for designating the two colleges?<br>
Thanks (from the mom of a kid who attends a very large disorganized school)</p>
<p>
[quote]
Arkansas Mom: A question for you. Did the letter come in the mail directly from National Merit, or was it distributed by the school? What is the deadline for designating the two colleges?
Thanks (from the mom of a kid who attends a very large disorganized school)
[/quote]
mother<em>of</em>perl, the letter came to my D's school. If your S or D scored 203 or better on the PSAT, I suggest calling the guidance counselor to find out when the letters will be distributed. The deadline for reporting the college choices, intended major, and intended career choice is May 17. A special purpose website is provided for responses if you choose to respond that way instead of by postal mail. A lack of response will not affect NM status. I believe that the college choices can be changed at a later date. I'll PM you with more info.</p>
<p>My DS got his letter directly from NM corp - not from his public high school. 4 years ago, so did my daughter. Re: notifying colleges. It's not a big deal who you notify. HYPS could care less, so I wouldn't waste it on them. Try a local school that awards merit money. It is non-binding - just a "show" of interest.</p>