Greetings. Until learning a few weeks ago that my DD was NMSF, we had no idea that some schools offer large merit awards to finalists (and in some cases semifinalists). I’m grateful for the information I stumbled upon in this forum.
DD was previously looking at schools on the west coast. While I’ve asked her to look into a couple of the schools in Florida (as well as UT Dallas) bc of the NMF awards, she may not be up to going that far from home (California). We also visited ASU last spring, but learned that for medical reasons, the dry climate won’t work for her.
She’s interested in Cognitive Science/Neuroscience (though not 100% set on her academic plans, so also wants the flexibility to explore academically as well.)
She did meet with reps from Washington State University, and U Idaho at a local college fair, so will look into WSU. U Idaho does not offer Neuroscience, so not a strong contender for her.
If anyone has experience with the NWF awards and honors programs at WSU/Idaho or knows of other locations out West that she might wish to also look at, please feel free to share. Ideally not looking for something with a big greek life, and doesn’t care about football/sports scene, so WSU may not be the right fit either.
I am also in California. My oldest (not NM) is a 3rd year Cog Sci major at UC Davis. If you have any questions about the school or the major at Davis, I’m happy to answer them. I’m not trying to sell Davis but, if your daughter is interested in neuroscience, she might check out the very popular NPB (Neurobiology Physiology and Behavior) major at UCD.
The UCs have some of the best Cognitive Science programs the nation. The programs and emphases differ at each campus so your daughter should investigate which has the neuroscience emphasis that seems like the best fit. The UCs don’t give NM scholarships. However, the tuition for California residents is in the $13K range which is significantly cheaper than USC at 50% off. Plus, USC has the Greek/football scene that your daughter doesn’t want.
My second is NMSF and we are also looking at west coast schools that might offer money. Most of the large scholarships appear to be from schools in the south.
Thank you - she is definitely applying to a few of the UCs (I believe Davis will be one of them). First task is to get the UC application completed, and then see if she wishes to look at any of the schools that offer NMF money.
Note that a lot of merit scholarships require an early application (eg Utah is before Nov 1) and if you miss that then the scholarship money will have run out. It’s a similar situation for rolling applications - do those first to have the best chance of merit money. So make sure you check those deadlines out and apply before focusing on the UC deadline at the end of November.
@KaliHoosier - My NMF sons were both offered merit at UCs that accepted them (Irvine and even UCLA). But, it was still not enough to keep them here. One is at ASU (sorry to hear that is not an option) and the other is at Notre Dame.
I would also take a look at Boise State. I have no idea if they have the Cog Sci program, but its worth checking out.