<p>Hi,
so I know that Chicago is sending out their merit scholarships right now, and also that they independently give between $1000 and $2,500 to National Merit Finalists. Well I put down Chicago as my first choice, and I haven't received any letter. Does this mean that I will not receive merit money?</p>
<p>Have you notified UChicago that you will be attending? Someone who knows for sure should chime in, but I believe they award the National Merit money to every finalist who enrolls and who has listed U Chicago as the first choice school before the April 24th deadline. (My son has been accepted, is a NMF and has not received any notification yet; he has not yet accepted the offer of admission.)</p>
<p>As I recall, the NM Scholarship showed up on my financial aid letter. Have you received that yet?</p>
<p>I got my financial aid package today, and nothing showed up in my letter indicating that I had been awarded between $1000-2500 for National Merit. I too put down Chicago as my first choice school. midmo, I hope you're right and that Chicago awards us that money once we enroll.</p>
<p>My understanding (from Libby's posts) is that through the National Merit program, Chicago awards $1000/year to all finalists who do not receive need-based aid and $2000/year to those who do. To qualify for your award, you must have designated U of C as your first-choice school--a National Merit rule, not a Chicago one.</p>
<p>I think (but could be wrong here--go ahead and correct me) that unlike Chicago's own merit award program, notification of the awards comes through the National Merit people and should not be expected before late April.</p>
<p>I just got f-ed out of my money. I won a NM scholarship for $2500 from the NM corporation, but this means I lose my $2000 per year ward from the university. Absolutely ridiculous.</p>
<p>darkruler: i agree. i also received a $2,500 scholarship from the NM foundation, but it is not renewable. perhaps chicago may give us $2,000 sophomore-senior year?</p>
<p>Im not sure. I talked to a lady today at U of C, but she wasnt all that helpful. My Mom's calling NM from work tomorrow, so maybe she can find some stuf out. Im just so frustrated right now. Im torn between Chicago and a full ride+stipend at Maryland, and this isnt helping the case for Chicago.</p>
<p>darkrulerII--You may not have lost your $2000 a year NM award from your school. Call them and find out for sure. My daughter was accepted to Carleton College. Like you, she won the $2500 NM Scholar Award. Knowing that if she accepted this, she would be ineligible for further NM awards, Carleton notified her today that should she enroll there, they would give her a $2000 annual award for the three subsequent years--just as they do for NM finalists. Good luck!</p>