@delilahxc thanks for replying to me about the GPA at UTD
that way, all future students who choose UTD will know what to expect
@2sunny - Let me know if you have any other questions. The director of the NMF program at UTD was heavily involved in McDermott weekend so we heard a lot about that program as well.
@delilahxc , what did you learn about McDermott??? What advise would you give mom of an 8th grader to give McDermott a real shot. Also McDermott VS NMF what is the difference?
I learned so much that I’m not quite sure how to fairly present it all without writing entirely too much so I’m going to try to keep it pretty simple and if you have additional questions, I’ll do my best to answer it.
The NMF scholarship is very generous. Qualifying is automatic if you are designated a NMF and list UTD as your first choice school.
Funding for McDermott scholars is even more generous. However, McDermott Scholars also have a number of additional academic, time and behavioral commitments that NMF scholars do not. So in many ways NMF do have a level of freedom that McDermott does not. This wasn’t something that bothered my son in the slightest - he very much hopes to be chosen) but some of the requirements gave a least some parents pause. (I spent my weekend mostly with parents so as far as kids, my son’s views are the only one I know…)
It is important to note that all scholarship recipients are part of the same honors program so access to academic opportunities on campus is completely equal.
Qualifying for NMF is your child’s best bet because then you are assured an amazing program not matter what and qualifying for McDermott would be a bonus. I think almost half of finalists this weekend were NMF.
As far as advice, I can’t speak for the program in any way - so these were merely my impression. Doing really well in school (grades, rank, course rigor, volunteering, leadership) is the minimum. Beyond that, there is an it factor they are looking for. I don’t really know what it is but could observe that all of the kids invited were incredibly passionate students who were involved in a wide range of activities and all had demonstrated both leadership skills and kindness. They are looking for leaders but also kids who will work well together in a cohort.
68 students came to the weekend - 25 will be chosen. I have no idea how. They were all amazing, amazing students. I don’t envy the selection committee all. The kids did participate in individual interviews, group interviews, group projects and creative problem solving events over the course of the weekend. Those things will all be factored in as well.
So as an 8th grader - do well in school (really well). Study for the PSAT (my son did not and missed NSF by 1 point >_< ) Be involved in things you truly care about. Lead when possible. And then send in the application senior year and see what happens. We had no idea what to expect or if my son would even be invited. For as many great kids were invited, I’m sure there were equally great students who weren’t so that’s where real specific advice is impossible.
Good luck to your child. I know well that walking the tightrope of making sure they do well while still having a fun and fulfilling high school experience is not an easy thing. So for now, I’d probably focus on those things 
The big tests and applications are many years away for you.
Thank you so much @delilahxc, for the thoughtful reply. Fingers crossed as . I am pulling for your son!!!
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@grtd2010 Hope your D gets into her top picks! u mentioned she applied to CM ! That would be Wow if she got in ! We got Full tuition to another state school, recently.
@nw2this thank you the link you posted:
http://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/images/gid2/editor_documents/annual_report.pdf?sessionid=0ce645a4-7ba2-4680-97fb-04e0aa047521
interesting to see where they ultimately go
Wooh! Hooh! Dream just came true for someone! Duke at a fantastic, wonderful package! Oh, my!
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1954080-what-i-wish-i-had-known-when-i-began-my-college-search-process.html
:))
Because some NMF students would rather go to a good compsci program rather than a free one. UTD ranks at 70.
@Batwing99 Many colleges with free rides (KY, UCF, UTD) are all ranked very similar to each other,
so student needs to find the right choice for himself.
Duke is very high in many areas. #17 in Math for Duke #25 in CS
Thanks for finding the more recent report. OU held on to their title for the most nmf, just barely beating U Chicago.
yeah, we got nice offer from OU (but did not apply)
@2sunny - I’m curious as to how you got an offer from OU if you didn’t apply? Do you mean just the general mail that gets sent to potential NM kids?
@crazy4info Right, the letter about what OU offers to NMF
we also did not apply to AZ, AL and several others
@grtd2010 yeah, we know Carnegie is $70,000 per year
That’s “why” we reviewed each college “before” applying, to ensure it would be in the ballpark for what
we want to achieve.
<:-P
^^^ First of all, most kids won’t get into CM for Comp. Science…which is the " main point."
Our friend graduates from CM this year…! (he was delighted with the package he got from CM,
and got into his top Choice for Grad. school)
But what about the DREAM? What if that is the DREAM school? You said earlier that you wouldn’t squash his dreams no matter what it costs.
@twoinanddone where did we (my son and I and family) say we would not squash our son’s dream no matter what it costs? Hmmmm.
I said to take away a child’s dream is misery. Who wants to be miserable for 4 years within the Quote.
Now, you can interpret it how you want, but my interpretation is different from yours for Our Family :x
@twoinanddone have you asked my son what “he wants?” Have you asked my son about his dream?
Because those who know him would know that what you describing does not make sense to what he wants.
You see, we are super lucky that our son understands the how things work in our family…and we feel
blessed if we might win the NMF (which we did), and feel blessed that if he gets into a top STEM, then
we know we can make it happen…