<p>Son received letter yesterday letting him know he is a finalist. He has been accepted early decision to an ivy that does not participate in the National Merit program. He will not be getting any financial aid from the college. Is there still time to look around for specific scholarships that he might be eligible for? Does his guidance counselor figure these things out. He did prepare a scholarship folder for the guidance counselor.</p>
<p>At our So Cal school, a number of local businesses, civic groups and individuals offer smaller scholarships. The Guidance Office collects them and puts out a scholarship bulletin every month. The GCs don't "figure these things out." That's the responsibility of the kids. But he should go in and see what the set up is in his school.</p>
<p>I think ASU and OU having rolling admissions and after speaking with them today.... every NMF who choses them... gets their generous scholarship.... They do not limit their NMF.... so If he is currently declared "undecided" with the NM program... they have until May 31st to claim a school...</p>
<p>So... yes you have more time! </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Motherandchild, the OP is committed to an Ivy having applied and been accepted ED. There are scholarships out there with later deadlines. You can check Fastweb.com and also call your GC and see if she's doing anything with the scholarship folder or if you have to be pro-active there. Good luck!</p>
<p>Since he was accepted ED, I'm assuming you're taking about outside scholarships to supplement the lack of FA. I agree with elemenope, he should be looking at the list that his GC posts, it's his responsibility to find scholarships that fit and apply to them. There is still time, but be aware that while local scholarships will be his best bet, they are usually for relatively small amounts and usually nonrenewable.</p>
<p>aaahhh, of course... MY BAD! I'm done giving advice in an area that I don't have much expertise... lips zipped.</p>
<p>If anyone has any questions about their health.... I'm a nurse... let me know... other than that... mums the word.</p>
<p>Just because his school doesn't participate doesn't mean he can't get NMSF funds. D went to an ivy and received a general NMSF scholarship which I believe was in the same amount as the college sponsored ones. You shouldn't have to do anything but wait until NMSF comes out with the winners.</p>
<p>m&c, hang in there, you'll know more than most people soon enough :).</p>
<p>dakota, I was assuming that the OP was looking for scholarships in addition to the 2.5k NMS.</p>
<p>Not all of the finalists get that 2.5K though. In fact, I think it's a fairly small percentage.</p>
<p>
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D went to an ivy and received a general NMSF scholarship which I believe was in the same amount as the college sponsored ones.
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</p>
<p>Of those high-ranked privates that award college-sponsored NMF stipends, the minimum I have seen is 1k per year; 2k per year is more common; one top-20 awards 5k per year. On the other hand, the direct NMS award is a one-time $2500 award.</p>
<p>The OP's son may receive the direct award, which can be taken to any college, I believe, but it is not likely that it will match any college-sponsored award.</p>
<p>Many outside scholarships (not NM related) are income contingent. Others will be based on community service.</p>
<p>NM is a one time award. If your S is early decision and not getting any FA, any NMS would be relatively small. ED says that you have most if not all of your financial needs readily in place. </p>
<p>However, perhaps you can show the school the award and maybe they can give a grant equal to a NM award. The school probably already knows if your son qualified for NM. </p>
<p>Been There. DS was RD with competitive $ from another school which resulted in a multiyear grant.</p>
<p>Some corporations do sponsor merit scholarships for children of employees based on NM Finalist status. (Another site of our company used to do that).</p>
<p>Otherwise, cross your fingers and hope for one of the 2000 or so $2500 general purpose National Merit Scholar awards (think I have that number right). But the odds are against you, since there are about 15,000 finalists.</p>