<p>suburbian: My daughter applied to and was accepted by UChicago (though not attending). She did put them down as her 1st choice school for NM, and they did award her one. The award came with the acceptance, and from what we could tell, it actually looked to be 1 year (non-renewable), which seemed rather stingy to us. Now maybe it was renewable, but they didn't state that. She was also accepted to Wellesley (and also not attending), and though she did not put them down as a 1st choice, I don't believe Wellesley recognizes NM. In fact, they don't give out any merit scholarships whatsoever (and I <em>think</em> that includes NM). I don't know about the others you mention, though.</p>