<p>I am currently a National Merit Semi-Finalist and am in the process of applying for colleges. As of now, I'm suffering a huge blow from my weak GPA. Back then, I was just too lazy to do my homework for school, but regret upon that decisoin now. I have a 2100 on the SAT and a 220 on the PSAT. I heard from my guidance counselor that some colleges give a full-ride to National Merit Semi-finalists or Finalists. I was searching on the internet for these colleges but can't seem to find any. Could anyone point me in the direction of maybe a list or something of colleges that accepts semi-finalists? </p>
<p>also, just putting this in here, what are my chances of becoming a finalist? I have a 3.0 GPA unweighted (hopefully), a 2100 on the new SAT, and a 220 on the PSAT. Also, i have 100 volunteer hours and have participated in many clubs, sports and such. </p>
<p>Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thx in advance</p>
<p>Go to the Parent's forum and at the top there is a subject called "Schools known for good merit aid". You will find much of what you are looking for there. </p>
<p>As far as being a finalist, I think that you will probably be OK. Your SAT scores confirm your PSAT. If you got good recs from your school indicating that your grades and attitude are improving, that should help.</p>
<p>George: See the corrected post #2 above. I don't believe that UW-Madison participates in the NM program. If they do, they don't offer a lot. Also, your GPA is going to make admission to UW pretty much out of reach, in spite of your test scores unless you have something spectacular going for you. It is certainly worth applying, but I wouldn't count on it.</p>
<p>I doubt that you'll make finalist because from what I can figure out from years of reading postings about this on the Internet, one needs at least an unweighted 3.5 to become a finalist. One's gpa seems to be of more importance than are one's SAT scores, essay or ECs.</p>
<p>There are, however, colleges that give merit aid based on SAT scores, and you should check the Internet to find colleges that would be generous with you. You also probably can find such info by searching CC's archives.</p>
<p>Your SAT score is low compared with your PSAT score. Did you only take the SAT once or not study at all for it? Typically, from what I have seen, students With a 2200 PSAT break 1500 on the old SAT, 2200 on the new one.</p>
<p>I didn't study for either of them and that is my only SAT taken. Just sort of winged it. Didn't exactly know there was an essay on the new SAT's... So that sort of screwed me over. Also, I'm a resident of Wisconsin. Would that improve my chances of getting into UW? Also, my weighted GPA is a lot higher because our school gives a 5.33 for a A+ in a AP class. Right now, I have 4 AP's and have A's in all of them. Thanks for all the help</p>
<p>How is Minnesota Twin Cities? I believe Wisconsin residents gets instate-tuition as well. Does my chances look likely for that college? Can't find a GPA acceptance but my SAT score is above the 1210 they want.</p>
<p>U of M Twin Cities is a really good school and is easier to get into than Madison. The acceptance rate is in the 70% range I believe, so you've got a good shot. As far as scholarships go, I was accepted and offered a scholarship (of about $7,000 a year off in-state tuition), but my SAT scores and GPA were both higher than yours (2320, 3.9), and I don't think they offer full-rides just for National Merit. If you are still looking for a full ride, I think University of Iowa and Texas A&M both offer good scholarships to National Merit Finalists.</p>