<p>Hey guys, I was just wondering: how much does Tulane give for National Merit, and is it renewable every year? Trying to decide on my first-choice school for National Merit. Thanks!</p>
<p>$2,000 ($1,000 per semester, and you pick up a real check. I mention this because it is then up to you if you want to go to the Bursar’s office and apply it against your tuition/room&board expenses, or put it right into your bank account), and yes, it is renewable every year. As mentioned in another thread, this is separate and in addition to any merit money you may receive. So if you get the $20,000/year merit scholarship, your actual scholarship amount is $22,000 in total. If you get the DHS for full tuition, you still get the $2,000.</p>
<p>In reading this again, I noticed you did not say NM Finalist, but I assumed that is what you meant.</p>
<p>Yep, NM Finalist. Thanks for the info! I think it’s probably worth it for me to put Tulane as my first choice.</p>
<p>I didnt think you could just put the check in your personal account. I believe the check is made out to both the student and the university, so yo have to take the check from the scholarship/FA office over to the Bursars office to deposit it in your Tulane accounts receivable account to be posted against your bills. If ther is a credit balance you can request a refund.</p>
<p>Well, my D deposited her first check in her checking account her first semester, then applied the next three directly against her Tulane expenses, so I know you could deposit it in your account directly. However, without distracting too much from the discussion, there are potential tax consequences if one does not use the money for school related expenses, and I think even which expenses might be narrowly defined. But of course money is fungible so…</p>
<p>Totally agree about the tax implications.The $ is earmarked for education</p>
<p>Check the new tax laws before making that decision.</p>
<p>The NM is supposed to be a merit scholarship for educational costs. Seems to me most prudent to put it towards the college bill. Both my s’s took their checks to the college Bursars office. I seem to recall that they got 1099’s or some tax form from the schools for their $, but I dont recall exactly.</p>
<p>I agree with jym, since $ are $ easiest to do that and if you want your child to have the money as “fun” money then write them another check for the same amount. Silly, but it keeps the government and NM people happy.</p>