<p>I think I should be a semifinalist based on my score of 225 in NH, but I haven’t heard anything yet. My school has always been really irresponsible. Is there a way to find out from a source other than my school?</p>
<p>kwalker: Call the National Merit Scholarship Corporation on or after Sept. 15, when this information is released publicly. [National</a> Merit Scholarship Corporation - Contact Us](<a href=“http://www.nationalmerit.org/contact.php]National”>http://www.nationalmerit.org/contact.php)</p>
<p>(If you do call, ask about the NH cutoff, too, so that you can post it in the cutoff thread!)</p>
<p>Okay, thanks Descartesz… The suspense is killing me!</p>
<p>For mom2collegekids - are you positive about the NJ cutoff? (You said with a 221, Dixie was in.) Thanks. (My kid has a 224, has not heard from the high school yet.)</p>
<p>
NJMOM2011, you can find lists of cutoff scores on CC going back to 2004. I don’t recall seeing a cutoff higher than 223 in any state or region over those years. I think this would allow you to believe beyond a reasonable doubt that your child has qualified.</p>
<p>Thank you Descartesz - I will probably call the school on Monday. We just started school on the 9th.</p>
<p>and named a finalist…anyone make below that in Mississippi and get a letter? or is 205 the cutoff this year???</p>
<p>I mean he is a semi finalist anyone lower than that in Mississippi this year make it? Last year cutoff for MS was 204 I was told.</p>
<p>This is my first post. Can someone clarify to me the significance of becoming a Semifinalist? I know it is a great honor. Besides the actual scholarships that a few students receive what kind of benefit is it? My son became a semifinalist in MD, but his SAT scores are not the same caliber. Does posting the Semifinalist status on the application really open doors for you even if you don’t submit your SAT scores? My son did much better on his ACT? I would love to hear your opinions.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Dukealumni: There are many colleges/universities that participate in the NM program that offer scholarship opportunities for students. Some schools, it may be a one-time gift. Some offer annual scholarships. Some universities, including Alabama and Oklahoma, give NM students scholarships that include tuition and housing.</p>
<p>My son was NM from VA two years ago. He elected to attend Alabama (over several outstanding schools) and earned full tuition, honors housing, a $1000 yearly stipend, $2000 for study abroad/summer research and a free laptop.</p>
<p>So there are some excellent scholarship opportunities for your son.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>If his top school doesn’t offer any NM scholarships, will it help him get accepted?</p>
<p>Dukealumni: Not always. My son got wait listed at Harvard, Duke and Cornell. In the end, he decided to take Alabama’s offer, because the school has so many great opportunities for students in the Honors College. The fact that he graduates debt free does not hurt.</p>
<p>Our son, too, chose an Alabama school (Auburn) because: a) it’s a good school; b) the Honors College is a great learning environment; c) he will graduate debt-free; d) the Samuel Ginn School of Engineering is excellent; e)he was given much more personal attention and shown great hospitality on his visit and tours of campus–by contrast, the reception at U Chicago and Northwestern were satisfactory, but not personal. f) the Co-Op opportunities (work-study); g) Summer abroad stipend; h) campus ministry and community service opportunities; i)well-maintained, inviting facilities; j) football!!! k) basketball. l) beautiful coeds; m) friendly, helpful staff; n) friendly students; o)warm weather (well HOT weather)… p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z in a future post.</p>
<p>Our second son just learned he got in-- he’s looking at … gulp… the Crimson Tide.</p>
<p>Best wishes and thanks to all who have posted on this site. It has been a relished experience for our family to share your experiences.</p>
<p>*
Our second son just learned he got in-- he’s looking at … gulp… the Crimson Tide.*</p>
<p>and…he’ll love it. Gorgeous campus, impressive facilities, a LOT more honors super-suites dorms, awesome football, and beautiful girls as well. 
Besides…T-town has much more off campus stuff to do. :)</p>
<p>@dukealumni “My son became a semifinalist in MD, but his SAT scores are not the same caliber.”</p>
<p>Are they materially different? This is one of the important factors in deciding who moves on to Finalist status. Maybe he should take the SAT again? In Md (I’m also in Md) should you become a Finalist AND matriculate to an in state school (public or private, with the exception of Navy) you automatically receive the Maryland Distinguished Scholar Award ($3K/year for 4 years) … which is in addition to any other awards your school gives you … up to the COA …</p>
<p>It’s also worth noting that should your son be accepted at the flagship UMd College Park, (my school , it is currently ranked number 36 in the WORLD, (right under Duke at 35) for a LOT less $$$$ …</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2010.jsp[/url]”>http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2010.jsp</a></p>
<p>So, Mom2, both sons will be at Alabama? Congratulations! I am hoping son 2 goes to Auburn (for our convenience, not necessarily his!) but my guess is that he will complicate our lives by choosing UA! Either way, we are grateful for the opportunity. </p>
<p>I’ve not been to Tuscaloosa (I don’t even know if I’m spelling it correctly!) but I’ll take your word for now that there’s off-campus activities of interest. We’re in Madison, WI, a consummate college town if you ask me, so Auburn and Tuscaloosa will be quite a change!</p>
<p>Thanks for all of your help.</p>
<p>Unfortunately my son loves the small liberal arts schools and Middlebury is his first choice. It would help if he loved the large university for getting scholarships but I want him to go where he will be happy (he is my only child). </p>
<p>Good luck to all in getting through the college process.</p>
<p>My son just made semi finalist in Idaho with 211</p>
<p>I know from reading this thread that my D has qualified as a semi-finalist (212 in Michigan), but her school has yet to notify her. Shouldn’t they have done so already???</p>
<p>Dukealumni,
Beyond the official National Merit scholarships, there are schools that offer automatic scholarships based on a student attaining National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist standing.
Baylor offers very large scholarships to National Merit semifinalists and finalists. My daughter’s first choice school offers 50% tuition to all National Merit Semifinalists, and her backup school offers full tution to semifinalists, or full tuition, room, and board to finalists. Other schools increase their ‘top’ academic scholarship award by a set amount if the student is a National Merit Semifinalist. </p>
<p>If your son’s only issue is a lower SAT score, it would be wise to have him study and retake the SAT. My daughter also did better on the ACT, as she is more scientifically inclined, but since only the SAT is accepted, it is prudent to work toward a better score on that. There are 3 more tests dates for this year’s batch of semifinalists to use before final scores are due.</p>