<p>I just wrote my NMS essay and saw that it was very very dry. I have heard/know that Adcoms like interesting essays that show them who you are. However, this essay basically just lists my interest, accomplishments, characteristics, future plans, and explicitly says what sets me apart, all in that order. </p>
<p>I have some good awards and stuff (ISEF, Siemens, top in state on AMC), but the essay itself is horrible. I read in another thread that they just want to check things off, so it's not like adcoms, but is this true? Is it ok that my essay makes me want to fall asleep?</p>
<p>16000 semis, 15000 finalists. I'd say there isn't too much selection going on, so the essay doesn't havta be spectacular. I'd say maybe get someone else to edit it once, but I wouldn't spend too much time on it.</p>
<p>Of the 8200 scholars, only about 2-3000 receive the $2500 NM Scholarship. The others receive college or corporate scholarships, which are much easier to get.</p>
<p>Are all of the college and corporate scholarships $2500. I want the money from the central location (rather than from a univ. that I go to, sicne I know a lot of colleges offer tons of money for NM finalists to come to the college, such as my instate, which gives $50k over four years), because I may not go to a college that offers money to NM finalists. If you are outside of the 2-3000 but inside of the 8000 scholars, how much do you get?</p>
<p>As far as I know, the NM, corporate, and college-sponsored scholarships are all about 2500. However, I do know that many colleges guarantee $3000.</p>