<p>My son blew off the semi-finalist-to-finalist paperwork (last year). I called to ask if he could submit it late. Yes. I asked what happened if you didn't submit it: you don't become a finalist. If you do: you do. So 1000 students a year don't care enough to apply.</p>
<p>Of those who become finalists, some will get money from their colleges (check with the colleges) and some will get scholarships from corporations or organizations (mostly because they have some sort of connection, like hometown or family). Most (about 2/3rds) get nothing but the little piece of paper.</p>