<p>Hi guys,
I've perused CC and found that NMSF is a good, but not great, thing to have on an application. I come from an average-performing school with ~100 kids/grade that has not had a NMSF in at least 5 years, if not 10. I'm also in a state with a high PSAT cutoff and my score (229) should make me a NMSF in the fall. Considering the context of my school and the fact that I live in a state with a cutoff exceeding 220, does that give NMSF more weight? Or is it still just something "nice" to note, but relatively unimportant given that it stems from one's performance on a 3 hour test on a Saturday morning?</p>
<p>Doing really well and coming from an academically not-as-great school should help you out some, but the NMSF itself probably won’t be a super high achievement to top tier schools. Of course, unless you’ve won anything better, you should list it in the apps.</p>
<p>Thank you!
Another thing: my school allows juniors to take 2 AP classes. I skipped a grade in math so I took AP Calc AB this year in addition to these two AP classes, and I also self-studied for two other AP tests. Thus, I took 5 AP tests (and got all 5s) while previously no junior had taken more than 2 tests/ received 2 5’s. Do you think this helps just as much as the NMSF does or would it help more?</p>
<p>Here is why NMF is important. If you get in the dream school and the finances work out then great! If not, you got a pocket full of NMF scholarships opportunities waiting for you. It’s the ultimate backup plan.</p>
<p>Some options to look at:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/649276-nmf-scholarships-updated-compilation.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/649276-nmf-scholarships-updated-compilation.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1348012-automatic-full-tuition-full-ride-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1348012-automatic-full-tuition-full-ride-scholarships.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1461983-competitive-full-tuition-full-ride-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1461983-competitive-full-tuition-full-ride-scholarships.html</a></p>
<p>There are also schools that love reporting big numbers of NMSFs. It can give you a bump there. (Note: most of the really competitive schools won’t even give you $2500, so make your to pick early and wisely.)</p>
<p>Your pick does not have to be early. You can change your school for NMF purposes right up to the end. Just make sure you get your apps in on time to be considered for the scholarships.</p>
<p>While you can change any time, if you wait until all your decisions are in, you will have waited too long.</p>
<p>Imho, it is better to choose your safety for a full ride than a maybe with $2500/yr - you can always try to get the $2500, but the full rides may be taken.</p>
<p>You really have to look at institutional policies, deadlines, and types of admission.</p>