<p>Hi. Our school counselor is only part time. He confirmed that my son was a NMSF and listed in the booklet, but he told son that he hasn't gotten any package yet so my son can start the application process.</p>
<p>Did anyone receive info yet on how to complete the application?</p>
<p>For those with older kids who've been thru this, do you remember when your kid received this info?</p>
<p>Son has a school sanctioned 1 week trip in a couple of weeks. I'm really concerned that he not get into a time crunch to get the application completed. I understand he must be done his part by end of Sept in order for the school to complete their portion.</p>
<p>Any details as to how this all works is appreciated!</p>
<p>There is no big paper packet like my D10 received back in the day. D13 got a single sheet of paper dated August 21st saying “Congratulations (name!)” Goes on to explain a little bit then gives a unique username and password. Once she completes her portion, it says to submit it to her high school official so that they can finalize the application by completing the schools portion & transmitting it to NMSC by October 10th.</p>
<p>RobD - Did the single letter come directly to your home or go thru the guidance counselor? I have little faith in our counselor. I want to stay on top of this if it has to come thru him.</p>
<p>My son got his letter through the counselor. The good news is that the application doesn’t take very long- assuming that you have your resume handy to use it to pick out what you want to put on it. There isn’t much room. My recall is that there was space for 6 extracurricular activities and then a small space for paid jobs and a small space for honors. As in, you are going to probably have to pick which ones to list (is Regional Science fair winner better to put on than AP Scholar? that type of decision). My son did it all except the essay in less than 30 minutes. And he is not known for his speed!</p>
<p>Can someone please provide the essay prompt and length? D2’s school is sitting on the info (probably under the impression they can’t release until 9/12), and she wants to work on it this weekend. Thanks!</p>
<p>Intparent: Yes, I understand the urgency. 3 years ago my hs senior had 2 weeks from receipt of application to date due to GC. FWIW, he was able to adapt his common app essay and it did not take very long. Good luck</p>
<p>Career counselor delivered in HR–simple letter, with access codes and with assurances that school will do their part to help. Due October 10–on top of multiple college applications, at least two weeks for transcript requests, etc. Feel that it will take a lot of riding herd on part of parents to be sure all ts are crossed and is dotted. Good luck to everyone. As usual and to be expected it is not a level playing field time-wise, but well worth the effort to get it done!</p>
<p>I don’t have access to it and am out of town this weekend, but my recall is that there were three options: Describe an experience you have had, a person who has made an influence on you or a difficulty you have faced. They don’t tell you the length but it has to fit into their box. My guess is that it is a little under one normal page.</p>
<p>Intparent: I can’t get to the essays at the moment either, but I was able to find on the National Merit Corporation website the four page instructions and requirements package. That doesn’t give essay prompt, but it has other info about steps and deadlines you will want.</p>
<p>Once your child logs into the website to create their application, the parents get an email for them to also have a logon. When you do that, you get the four page instructions and other info about the scholarship program.</p>
<p>Our school’s deadline is 1 Oct to get the application done; I’m sure most schools will do something similiar in advance of the 10 Oct submission deadline.</p>
<p>tjmom: thanks for the good advice about having your resume handy when filling out the application. DD started the application after dinner and in about 30 min had all but the essay done. As others have noted, the harder part for her was picking which items to put in the very limited space.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for providing the essay prompt!</p>
<p>Son’s counselor still has not gotten son’s letter. I asked him last week to please call NM Headquarters because they told me it was mailed same day as the “book” in separate package. He assured me Friday he’d call. Yesterday he told son they should give it til mid-week. RRRRR!</p>
<p>Longhaul, we’re in the same boat. DD still doesn’t have her log-in info because the college advisor has had computer and printer issues–supposedly being fixed today–since last week. So DD is, of course, stressing about how she will get this essay done on top of her regular schoolwork. </p>
<p>If you haven’t already done so, you should send your son’s SAT scores from the College Board Website to the National Merit corporation.</p>