<p>Whew! We sent the notification of finalist standing to UA in late February.</p>
<p>Glad to know that there was not a deadline missed for those that didn’t do this. All we did was fax and pdf a copy of son’s finalist letter and certificate. I didn’t take this to mean that he was “locked into” Bama, although others may have interpreted it that way. We registered for Bama Bound so we could get in an honors session that was convenient for us with graduation being at the end of May. BTW, we just got our parking passes for both parents and son for our Bama Bound session, with schedule. Not sure if we’ll stay at the Capstone Hotel or the Fairfield, where we stayed for Capstone Day. Both parents will attend this event.</p>
<p>malanai- Tell us the name of the Tuscaloosan restaurant so we can give it some CC love.</p>
<p>Yes, please, need restaurant recs. Really want to try some Bama barbecue.</p>
<p>“malanai- Tell us the name of the Tuscaloosan restaurant so we can give it some CC love.”</p>
<p>The Cracker Barrel
4800 Doris Pate Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405-3557
(Exit 76 off I-59)</p>
<p>This is where we met the UA student/waiter and where my son had his first (and certainly not last) country fried steak.</p>
<p>“Yes, please, need restaurant recs. Really want to try some Bama barbecue.”</p>
<p>Dreamland (the original location)
5535 15th Avenue, East
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
[Dreamland</a> BBQ - Home](<a href=“http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/]Dreamland”>http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/)</p>
<p>A bit off the beaten path, but as their motto goes, “Ain’t nothing like 'em–nowhere.” Warning: you better like ribs, because that’s about all they serve, along with delicious sweet tea and banana pudding. We ate there twice, bought the T-shirt, and brought home some of their bbq sauce. If you visit their website, click on the history tab. It’s good fun.</p>
<p>Thanks for the restaurant recs. I thought the Dreamland was only in Northport. I will definitely go there next time I’m in t-town.</p>
<p>IIRC, people like the Original dreamland better than the Northport one. Note that the Tuscaloosa one has a more limited menu. The Cracker Barrel is really good. Of course, many of my family members have driven many miles out of their way to eat at a Cracker Barrel, so maybe I’m just biased (the chicken fried steak is really good). I’m glad both restaurants were enjoyable.</p>
<p>So where is the “original Dreamland”? Is it in Tuscaloosa?</p>
<p>Yes, the original Dreamland is in Tuscaloosa, kinda behind the Wal-Mart. Directions can be found at [Dreamland</a> BBQ - Tuscaloosa](<a href=“http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/default.aspx?id=46]Dreamland”>http://www.dreamlandbbq.com/default.aspx?id=46) .</p>
<p>My son and I just came back from there for a visit. He had never been to the South, and being from the West Coast, he was concerned that it might be culture shock for him. Those fears went unrealized (being a serious fan of both football and barbecue helps).</p>
<p>The visit was AWESOME!!! Personal touch is unbelievable – you are not a number. And he’s an average student, so their interest wasn’t because of any special circumstances – the care taken in arranging a special day specifically catering to his interests was impressive. Literally, any doubts I had were dispelled based on what I experienced, from the faculty, staff and students we met, campus, housing, the town, etc. I am sold-- and I wasn’t before.</p>
<p>Sealed the deal for us – he’ll be there in September.</p>
<p>These posts make me think that my D made a mistake in not researching Alabama. Being from Detroit originally, I readily admit that I had preconceived notions about parts of the South that appear unfounded today (which is encouraging!). USC doesn’t seem to be giving applicants the time of day. I would assume it is far too late for a NMF to apply to Alabama for Fall 2010…?</p>
<p>I think it’s still possible for a NMF to apply.</p>
<p>It might still be possible to apply, but scholarships might not be available unless one deferr their application until next year. I wish your D the best wherever she attends.</p>
<p>edgymama, it’s good to see more people from the West Coast (I’m from WA). Just to remind you, school starts earlier in the year compared to many West Coast schools. UA will be eagerly awaiting his arrival this August. :)</p>
<p>No.</p>
<p>You can’t defer your application until next year. NMF scholarships are only for graduating seniors. Also, it’s kind of questionable as to whether other scholarships (like the Presidential) is available to students who’ve already graduated…per Q&A page.</p>
<p>Bama has been lenient about NMF applicants who apply after the deadline, so please contact…</p>
<p>Carolyn Rogers - <a href=“mailto:carolyn.rogers@ua.edu”>carolyn.rogers@ua.edu</a> Director of Scholarships</p>
<p>Mary Spiegel at <a href=“mailto:mary.spiegel@ua.edu”>mary.spiegel@ua.edu</a> Director of Admissions</p>
<p>Jami Gates 205-348-5599 <a href=“mailto:jami.n.gates@ua.edu”>jami.n.gates@ua.edu</a> Honors College NMF Recruitment</p>
<p>UA willl make an exception for applying after the deadline for Finalists… BUT, their deadline for receiving confirmation of Finalist status was March 2. You would have to speak to Ms Gates or Ms Rogers(contact info in the post above) to see about extending that deadline as well.</p>
<p>Wishing you much luck to get in and get the scholarship. Looks like we’re going to have a very diverse freshman class next year!</p>
<p>BUT, their deadline for receiving confirmation of Finalist status was March 2.</p>
<p>I think that date is iffy, too. A NMF student contacted me on Friday saying that Bama had just called him and had asked him to consider Bama…and that was March 5th.</p>
<p>That seems consistent with the message we kept getting from Drs. Sharpe and Witt, which essentially struck us as, “We intend to build an academic juggernaut here and we’re going to do what it takes.”</p>
<p>During our meeting with Dr. Witt he spoke pointedly about the reciprocal relationship between attracting the best students and attracting the best faculty. He told my son, “I am confident that if you come here you will feel the momentum.”</p>
<p>Yes…</p>
<p>Seriously, any NMF, NA, or qualifying NH that is considering Bama for Fall 2010, should immediately apply (super easy), and then contact the above (and below) mentioned people…as well as Dr. Sharpe…</p>
<p>Dr. Shane Sharpe <a href=“mailto:ssharpe@bama.ua.edu”>ssharpe@bama.ua.edu</a> - Dean of the Honors College</p>
<p>Carolyn Rogers - <a href=“mailto:carolyn.rogers@ua.edu”>carolyn.rogers@ua.edu</a> Director of Scholarships</p>
<p>Mary Spiegel at <a href=“mailto:mary.spiegel@ua.edu”>mary.spiegel@ua.edu</a> Director of Admissions</p>
<p>Jami Gates 205-348-5599 <a href=“mailto:jami.n.gates@ua.edu”>jami.n.gates@ua.edu</a> Honors College NMF Recruitment </p>
<p>In any communication, include your stats, your NMF status, and a polite apology for missing the deadline. Graciousness always helps! :)</p>
<p>A very sincere thanks for the information for my D; she will follow-up immediately. We also live on the West Coast (Southern California), so it is great to see others interested in heading SE to experience a different part of the country.</p>