Hey did anyone in NJ get below 223 and get National Merit? I got a 222 and am freaking out because I was really counting on a big National Merit scholarship.
It’s 223 GG. I dont think national merit commended is even worth writing on college apps. Guess I cant afford USC, BU or Northeastern now
Its worth writing if you have an open slot in the awards section. They only allow you to list five so it depends on how many others you have to list. Most of the folks on CC are probably pretty highly competitive so might dismiss NMSF or NM Commended but don’t take that to heart. Its a worthy recognition and something to mention with your awards.
I think NMSF is always worth including. Commended only if there is an empty slot.
It is a bummer to miss by a point or two because you are in a high-cutoff state!
I didn’t think National Merit scholarships necessarily meant big bucks
@Dad2020, being a NMF most definitely means big bucks. The money awarded by NMSC is not significant ($0-2500), but it qualifies you for tremendous, sometimes automatic, full tuition or full ride scholarships at some excellent schools. These awards are made by the schools based on NMF status, but are not officially NMF Scholarships.
It’s been a real game changer for us. We didn’t even know what NMF was when my D took the PSAT as a Jr.
@dad2020 and @kcheves I don’t think being a NMF most definitely means big bucks is truly accurate. IT DEPENDS on where you go to college. Most of the full ride or tuition are state schools - and nothing is wrong with that. BUT, from what I have seen, the kids getting NMF many times are trying to get into a very selective or IVY league type school and Ivys do not offer $$$ for merit. I believe USC does give money (1/2 tuition), but most are schools like University of Oklahoma, Auburn University, University of Arizona, University of Tulsa etc that are trying to attract NM kids. It is a wonderful accolade which can bring some money, but I would not go as far as saying BIG BUCKS…unless you want a state school.
It obviously depends on where you want to go. Most kids aren’t getting into Ivy’s, even if they are NMFs. For those kids its an attractive opportunity that comes with a large financial incentive.
My kid is a NMF and he’s getting 0 bucks 
@kcheves yes, most kids are not getting into Ivys, but other top selective schools do NOT pay big bucks for NMF - Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Duke, UMichigan, Berkeley, UCLA, UVA, Northwestern…and the list goes on.
@LvMyKids2 - While the schools may not, the schools may be partnered with private foundations which will pay big bucks, including completely full-rides. Being a NMS has opened many doors for my student. Some of these private foundation scholarships have NMF as a requirement and are invitation only. In one case we didn’t even have to apply to be awarded a large private scholarship. I’ll admit, I have been surprised at the offers that have come our way. Being a NMS has made a tremendous difference for my student, and I’m very grateful for it!
@chercheur pls correct me if I am wrong by showing me, but none of the schools I listed above have partnered with prviate foundations for big bucks or signficant dollars for NM scholars. While I agree big bucks can be found, it is typically (USC is the one exception I know of) found at state flagship schools. Absolutely a great thing, but as said above many NM scholars end up at schools that do not give big bucks or anything over what NMC gives.
@4togo4 Depending on where you want to go NMF can get you a free ride. In Texas you can get free rides (meaning Full COA) at Texas Tech, UTD, UT Tyler,and UT Arlington) You can get scholarships worth $175K at Baylor. In Florida, you can receive a full ride from UCF. You just have to check it out.
If you are stuck on going to an Ivy league school or Stanford or Duke, then no, they aren’t going to offer much in the way of additional funding. However many of those schools will now pay tuition and fees for anyone with household income under 65K. At Harvard if your HH income is between 65k and 150K you pay 10% of your HH income, a lot, but if you think Harvard is worth 15K a year sounds like a bargain.
@Phlipper Yes, you are right, but my son chose a school that does not give scholarships to NMF. I shouldn’t complain since we let him make that choice.