<p>07DAD,
These kids usually qualify for many more Merit Scholarships than just NMF because of their GPA and scores. I agree with you that it is financially is a "a joint venture ". However, I value their hard work at school much more than outside of school. First, it is worth much more $$ and second it is much harder and challenging to get straight “A” flipping hamburgers, although there is nothing wrong with the second, only if they can do both. D. is a part-time employee at her college, but it is nowhere near can be compared financially to her Merit $$, it is mere fraction, that we told her to keep for herself. We expressed our appreciation for her extremely hard work keeping her GPA high because it is not only saves us tons of dough but will definately affect her future.</p>
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<p>I was being sarcastic – hence the :rolleyes: – in response to </p>
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<p>I think that those who diss the NMF thing because “it’s only one test” overlook the fact that the ability to do well on that test is usually the result of years of being intellectually active, in school and out. I also agree with those who point out that several thousand dollars a year is not chopped liver.</p>
<p>The ability do do well at a particular point in time is valuable. If you “don’t test well” how do you expect to pass professional certification exams? Law, Medical, Nursing and Engineering schools cannot afford to educate people who cannot do well on a test at a particular point in time.
The tragedy of our educational system is that so many are lead on with the promise of a chance at professional training when in fact they are not smart enough to qualify for or benefit from it.</p>
<p>NMS, as determined by PSAT scores (and little else), is a product College Board has marketed to colleges as a means of identifying students to target. Just like SATII and AP. I don’t think the student gets “do overs” with SATII or AP. Standardized tests are measuring tools and, yes, some of what they measure is test-taking skill.</p>
<p>MiamiPAD–I too am fortunate that my S pays his substantial venture share in merit scholarship money. I believe that his continued academic success at the level necessary to maintain these scholarships is his primary venture job. </p>
<p>His “hamburger jobs” are outside the venture and give him the freedom of choices that a young adult ought to have, IMO. He qualified as a junior his second year in college so he could take a car. I wasn’t asked since he owns his car. He pays all expenses related to the car. He used it to ski all Winter Break and didn’t come to visit but for a few days. Works for us.</p>
<p>I didn’t read all 5 pages so I don’t know if someone already said this, but the National Merit Scholarship does give out $2500 regardless of what college you choose. And I’m not talking about the company scholarships, either. Out of the roughly 10,000 finalists, 2500 people are chosen to receive these scholarships.</p>
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<p>Becoming a National Merit Semifinalist is wholly determined by a PSAT cut-off and you advance to becoming a Finalist unless you really messed up in school (like straight C’s or something.)</p>
<p>However, going from National Merit Finalist to National Merit Scholar Winner is determined by an essay, a recommendation from your counselor, your academic awards, and your grades and curriculum. (By National Merit Scholar Winner, I don’t mean the scholarships awarded to finalists by the colleges they choose to attend. I mean the 2500 people the NMS chooses to give a $2500 scholarship too.)</p>
<p>You’re correct. I was only addressing Finalists.</p>