National Merit strategy

<p>Some schools say that you must name them by a certain date to be eligible for awards. Most of these are lower ranked schools that offer 1/2 to full scholarships for NM finalists. I think that most schools will accept the deadlines put in place by the Collegeboard. Your best bet is to call both schools and find out if they have deadlines to name them as a first choice in order to qualify. If you are worried how this will be perceived, you don't have to identify yourself or your child.</p>