Natl Merit "First Choice" advice

Applying to College
1

<p>I received my national merit semifinalist packet and am filling it out. It asks me to list my "first choice" college. Well, the college to which I am early applying (and from which I will accept the offer if extended) is Harvard. However, I don't believe Harvard extends national merit scholarships.</p>

<p>What should I do? Should I choose one of my "safety" schools that does offer national merit scholarships? If I do, does that reduce my chances at Harvard in any way? Or should I list Harvard as my "first choice," which it really is?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Read the discussion on Parents Forum</p>

3

<p>It doesn't matter. You can change it in the summer after you have chosen your school. My D is at H. She had Rice as her first choice until July when we finally got around to changing it. It won't affect admissions at all.</p>