National Merit First Choice Schools

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>All National Merit Semifinalists are asked to name a first choice school for the purpose of the program and it's scholarship opportunities. I understand that National Merit is sponsored by a list of colleges, all of which will award the $2,500 scholarship, along with whatever else they add on. </p>

<p>My problem is this: Duke is not on the list of sponsor schools. In fact, very few schools I am considering are. Therefore, as a prospective student, is it worth it to name a school like Duke as my first choice? Will that information make a worthwhile difference to them, or would I just be joining a plethera of other students who do the same thing?</p>

<p>Any info would be nice.</p>

2

<p>You can fill out a form to change your designated college after you make your final decision in April. The National Merit employees in Evanston will then forward your award information to the financial aid office of your final college choice. It doesn't matter what you pick as your original first choice, as long as you get your revised paperwork in on time.</p>

<p>I don't Duke will give you preferential treatment if you pick them as your first choice.</p>

3

<p>If naming a school like Duke won't really help, would it be better to name a school that really isn't my first choice but is a sponsor?</p>

4

<p>yes it would</p>