<p>I know that the NM people say Finalist standing is released in early February to the winners. And we've been waiting soooo long. But does anybody know if colleges are released a list early of who made it? Because I got a letter in the mail from a college inviting me to a National Merit Finalist banquet and scholarship information session. I know that it's a very good chance that I've made Finalist, but I don't want to get excited because of this and then get let down.</p>
<p>As far as I know it is February and I think the decision making process is still going on in January so I don't think anyone knows yet. Oh the waiting!!
Good luck to all semis!</p>
<p>Dd received two pieces of mail on Sat., one about attending a meeting for Finalists, and the other said "you will soon hear from NMSC regarding your finalist status" and remember to put us as first choice college blah, blah, blah. Does sound like someone has the lists, but I guess they could just be sending it to all nmsf's. Doesn't sound like it though. Of course they may have gotten in trouble for telling students early so that's their code language. Anyway it's fun to imagine while we wait, wait, wait.</p>
<p>Isn't the waiting (and more waiting) just so frustrating??? It's so close the days seem to be getting longer...</p>
<p>You are preaching to the choir, lol. Doesn't seem to be affecting my dd though. She's oblivious.</p>
<p>Hi again Ppof4! The waiting is sooo frustrating for us, too! DS is too busy with debate tournaments and prepping for UIL debate competition on 2/5 to remember the time is getting close.</p>
<p>Has your daughter narrowed down her colleges?</p>
<p>Have read different things about what it takes to move fwd to finalist.<br>
What does the SAT have to be?<br>
Are all three parts considered? It seems like they would be, since the PSAT has three parts.<br>
Are you called a National Merit Scholar if you are a finalist or only if you get one of the $2500 scholarships.<br>
Son's mom works for a company that gives one, if he would move fwd and get that one, would he not be a NMS? Very confusing.
Good luck to everyone and thanks for the info.</p>
<p>Tunkertech</p>
<p>CanMom, Hi yourself. Yes the ole waiting game. Dd has decided on OU. She really did love the school when she went down last spring. Tunkertech usually you must have over 2000 sat with a fairly robust gpa probably 3.5 or greater but may depend on how high sat is. You are considered a scholar usually if you receive any of the 3 type awards. At least the participating universities with merit aid will call their awardees a scholar when they designate them as their first choice college.</p>
<p>PPof4, That's great! OU has a real "full ride" for finalists. Good luck!</p>
<p>CANMom, I have heard that OU offers "full ride" to NMF. However, when I gone through OU's web site, I found that they do not offer to waive OSS tuitions 100% so I am kind of wonder whether OU indeed offer a "full ride" which means to me that it covers 100% Tuition and Fees, Room and Board.</p>
<p>Actually Leungpy1, An oos can expect to pay around 5000-6500 an year after OU NMF award. There is a breakdown on their site. They estimate online that an oos will pay approx. 5000-6500 per year. The laptop money is a check that of course you could use first year if you don't need a new laptop.</p>
<p>CanMom, I assume your ds is Baylor bound.</p>
<p>Yes, he is definitely going to Baylor. Bears are excited today after last night's win.</p>
<p>Anyone know off the to of their head when the last day to name/change your first choice school is?</p>
<p>Most people make it to finalist (15000/16000). The ones that don't are usually the ones that didn't fill the applications or had disciplinary problems.</p>
<p>I know the notification for NMF are sent out to the schools in early February, but what it you don't make it - do they send the rejection letters earlier? I think I read that somewhere. Anyone know?</p>
<p>calguy22-Nat. Merit info. states that "semifinalists who do not advance to Finalist standing notified January 2008"</p>
<p>bessie-last day to name/change your first choice school by my reading of the Nat. Merit rules is the last business day in May. BUT, some schools require that you name them as first choice earlier than this date in order to take advantage of the scholarships they offer to finalists. Best thing to do is check with the school you think you might name as your first choice and see what their date is. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Probably they notify those not advancing earlier in order to deal with appeals before the finalists are announced. This would not disadvantage someone who won an appeal.</p>
<p>I can appeal?</p>