<p>People didn’t read it wrong. 15K/16K NMSFs make finalist status. With the OP’s grades (usually one of the factors that knocks people out) unless there are behavioral issues it should be close to a slam dunk. </p>
<p>OP, look at the extensive list provided on the first page.</p>
<p>^erinsdad is correct. Our responses were based on the fact that 90% of NM semifinalists go on to become NM Finalists! They have to really goof up the essay (or the counselor forgets to send in forms) to mess up reaching Finalist status. The OP is going to reach Finalist. </p>
<p>OP, I’m sorry about Harvard deferral :(. You did the smart thing by applying to USC and Northeastern. I think you’ll get into Michigan, but you’re smart to cover your bases. You may very well earn a full ride at Northeastern too, so I just don’t think that you’ll need to attend Rutgers if that’s not what you want. I’m going to PM you. I have one other suggestion…</p>
<p>Might look at Holy Cross-limits merit scholarships and a January 15th due date. Also URichmond. Holy Cross has nice campus and great alumni network.</p>
<p>I’m in pretty much the exact same situation as the OP. I applied to UMiami, USC, Sewanee, and W&L all for their merit scholarships. I’m excited to hear back.
I can’t decide on Northeastern— I’m afraid that I would feel disappointed at Northeastern with Harvard, MIT, Boston College, and Tufts all in the area… is this a valid worry?
Does anybody know if Whitman College gives aid comparable to UMiami for NMSF/34 ACT? I know they do give merit aid, but it doesn’t seem like much… only $12,000 per year tops?
More ideas would be great. I don’t mean to hijack, just to add another voice asking pretty much the same question.</p>
<p>^ Whitman’s average merit aid package is less than $10K. Merit aid goes to about 125 entering students. I would assume that among them, only a small percentage (if any) get very large packages (full tuition or more). Presumably they have very strong qualifications. In general , you’d need to look at less selective schools than Whitman to have a realistic shot at very large merit scholarships (full tuition or more).</p>
<p>What do you want to study, JAlfred? Since Sewanee and W&L are on your list, did you consider Rhodes?</p>
<p>Uh oh, I feel like I’m taking away from the OP now. No, I’m not really interested in Rhodes. Sewanee and W&L are both ranked higher… I like Sewanee for the outdoors aspects, W&L for the amazing Johnson Scholarship. Not to take away from Rhodes, I’m sure it’s a good school.</p>