<p>My D (h.s. junior) received notification today that her PSAT score qualifies her for the first step in the National Merit Scholarship Program. (Of course, we won't find out until Sept. if she makes the cut-off for NM.) She has the option of sending her info to two colleges. MIT is her dream school, but I don't think that MIT gives NM scholarships. Is there any advantage in putting MIT down as one of her two choices? Two other colleges she's considering (one a slight reach, one a safety) <em>do</em> give NM scholarships. Any advice is appreciated!</p>
<p>No, MIT doesn't give an advantage to NM scholars who put it as a first choice.</p>
<p>Five years ago, I happily wrote Ohio State, because they gave a full scholarship for writing them as first-choice. (And still ended up at MIT!) I would advise your daughter to put one of the other schools as first choice. :)</p>
<p>Thanks, molliebatmit! I appreciate the info very much. :)</p>
<p>Going off ArkansasMom's question, is there any advantage whatsoever in putting MIT as my first choice school as far as the admissions process goes? I'm slightly confused about the benefits of putting down specific schools as your first and second choices. Does doing so give you an advantage in the admissions process or is it solely for financial purposes if you get admitted?</p>
<p>No, I'm sorry, I should have clarified that too.</p>
<p>The "first choice" is more of a financial manipulation tool on the part of the student -- if you want merit aid from some schools, you have to put them as your first choice. MIT doesn't give merit aid, so whether or not you write them as your first choice has no bearing on your admissions or financial aid. (I am under the impression that they aren't even aware if you don't put them as your first choice, but I'm not sure -- perhaps Ben can clear that up.)</p>
<p>I think Mollie is right. My son ended up putting his #2 and #3 schools down for NM because he would get a scholarship at those two schools and he knew MIT wouldn't give him $$ or care. Also, you don't have to name a school now - you have until March or April of senior year to do that. </p>
<p>There's good info about NM on these sites</p>
<p><a href="http://apps.carleton.edu/admissions/overview/ntlmerit/%5B/url%5D">http://apps.carleton.edu/admissions/overview/ntlmerit/</a>
<a href="http://www.utulsa.edu/presidentialscholars/timetable/%5B/url%5D">http://www.utulsa.edu/presidentialscholars/timetable/</a></p>
<p>I called MIT this morning and asked the admissions office the question in my original post. The person I spoke with said that MIT will accept "unofficial" documentation regarding National Merit and that it would probably be more advantageous for my D to list other colleges on the NM choices since MIT does not give NM scholarships. She indicated that it would definitely be a good idea to let MIT know of NM status as "supportive" information in the MIT application process, but that this information does not necessarily have to come directly from NM. (In other words, my D's high school can write something up documenting NM status and that can be included when she applies.)</p>
<p>The school doesn't have to write anything up: she can just include it on her application if there's room, under the "scholastic distinctions" section, that's what my son did last year.</p>
<p>Agree with mootmom. Just put it on the application - they'll believe you!</p>
<p>Branching off of the original question, could anyone give examples of schools that do give NM? or perhaps a link that lists these schools?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance :)</p>
<p>There does not appear to be a tidy list of these colleges on the National Merit site, but if you google "colleges that offer national merit scholarships" you get links like these:</p>
<p><a href="http://homepage.mac.com/l_j/secondhome/National_Merit.html%5B/url%5D">http://homepage.mac.com/l_j/secondhome/National_Merit.html</a>
<a href="http://www.supercollege.com/story.cfm?loc=3&story=260&cart=1%5B/url%5D">http://www.supercollege.com/story.cfm?loc=3&story=260&cart=1</a></p>
<p>The National Merit website does hint that there are roughly 200 colleges and universities that offer some form of scholarship to Finalists.</p>
<p>I seem to remember there was a list in the booklet they give you when you get the application. Anyone?</p>
<p>This doesn't have a list but you can probably find info if you're willing to read through it. <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=52133%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=52133</a></p>
<p>This is a list for 2001 but should help. <a href="http://www.supercollege.com/story.cfm?loc=3&story=260&cart=1%5B/url%5D">http://www.supercollege.com/story.cfm?loc=3&story=260&cart=1</a> (I now see Mootmom beat me to this one!)</p>