National Merit Scholarships?

<p>I found out that I got into Rice (yayhooray!) and was sortof disappointed to see that my FA award letter said that I would not qualify for any need-based aid. Anyway, in reading some of the threads on the Rice forum, I noticed that those who got merit scholarships (Trustee, Century Scholars, etc.) also found out about them when they clicked the link for "Financial Aid Award Letter" or whatever it says.</p>

<p>So it would make sense for Rice to notify people of having recieved Rice's National Merit scholarship at the same time, right? The only thing is, my FA award letter (at least the online version, since I haven't gotten the paper copy in the mail yet) didn't mention anything about this. I'm a National Merit Finalist and designated Rice as my first choice with the NMSC all the way back when I was still a National Merit Semifinalist.</p>

<p>Am I incorrect for assuming that every National Merit Finalist who has gotten into Rice and who has designated Rice as their first choice with the NMSC by now is supposed to get Rice's National Merit Scholarship? Have any of you been offered this scholarship in your FA award letters?</p>

<p>See here (Rice</a> University | Prospective Students) for where the National Merit Scholarship at Rice is listed.</p>

<p>no b/c you have until 4/30 to declare Rice as your first choice. everyone who does will get money</p>

<p>

No you are not incorrect. Every student accepted to Rice who designates it his/her first choice will receive one.</p>

<p>Thanks for the helpful responses, pyn and anxiousmom.</p>

<p>From my award letter:</p>

<p>“If you are selected as a Rice National Merit Scholar, the Rice award will replace a portion of your Rice Tuition Grant. Scholarships or grants that you receive that are not sponsored by Rice first replace an equivalent amount of the self-help portion of your aid and then reduce your tuition grant.”</p>