I read on this article, http://collegeadmissions.testmasters.com/ivy-league-psat-sat-act/ (published in 2012) that students who take the PSAT and qualify for semi finalists, their names are published and colleges will start recruiting you and/or sending scholarships your way. Is this any different than the garbage email/mail I get about applying to colleges? Will these be actual offers for scholarship money? Additionally, could I get ‘recruited’ (like an athlete) to one of these schools and commit to attend their school after I graduate (I am a junior currently).
I haven’t gotten official confirmation I am a NMSF, but I scored 219 where the index last year in my state was 215-216, so I am assuming I am going to be NMSF
My senior D is a NMF this year. 35 ACT. She has great grades, leadership, and unusual but strong EC. She received lots of mail, much of which mentioned NM or “high scores,” but I wouldn’t say she was “recruited.” There are schools now that are still mailing her info offering to allow her to apply late (even though deadlines have passed) BECAUSE of her NM status. So I would say it is an edge, but for her “recruitment” is a strong word. It wasn’t like schools offered to pay for travel to visit, though they did encourage visits. She will be attending a school that offers money for NMF, so that did factor into her decision.
Additionally, could anyone tell me colleges that look for National Merit Finalists specifically. Any top 30 schools where being NMF gives a solid boost to application? Thanks
@kjake2000 Not totally sure if USC is a top 30 school, but I know they really value semifinalists and if you’re a finalist, you automatically get a 1/2 tuition scholarship, which is nice.
@bssurly don’t you have to apply for the half tuition scholarship? simply being NMF does not guarantee this right? Or else their school would be flooded with finalists.