<p>Does anybody konw if the National Merit half-tuition scholarship covers all 4 years? I just got a letter saying I qualified for the Presidential Scholarship, but since you can't combine scholarships, would it be pointless to go to the Explore USC program since I should already get a scholarship for national merit?</p>
<p>yeah spero08, you really can't go to the explore USC thing, i'm in the same category as you. it's half-tuition (about $15000) each year, for a total of about 60k. national merit doesn't require any interview or anything, you're just set. nice job!</p>
<p>Is the National Merit scholarship automatically given if you are a Finalist? Don't we have to tell them our status or something?</p>
<p>umm, i wouldn't say it's just handed out to you, but i'm pretty sure it's a very high chance that you'll get it (provided you have the grades and a strong resume).</p>