<p>If you proceed to finalist standing, will this award play a substantial role in your decision of what college to attend?</p>
<p>What colleges are you applying to? Are you aware that if you are a NMF, there are certain perks like getting in-state tuition at Univ of Texas at Austin or Univ of Florida at Gainesville, as well as a completely full ride at U. Alabama at Huntsville?</p>
<p>If you search for National Merit finalist free rides, a listing will appear of colleges/universities that offer usually just in-state tuition, or occasionally a full ride if you note that college as your first choice on your national merit finalist application.</p>
<p>Best wishes!</p>