<p>The question I had was about the case where a student is undecided between schools A, B, and C. Only A has an early “naming” date. If the student names A early, could A award the scholarship early, making it impossible for B and C to give the student a scholarship?</p>
<p>I did learn that this isn’t as critical as it sounds. If B and C are giving out major scholarships (full tuition, 15K/year, etc.) those are not “official” NMF scholarships. There will be an official part of about 1K/year, and an “extra” part the the school awards beyond the official part. Usually you could get all but the “official” part even if you somehow mess up the selection and get disqualified from the official part by getting awarded something else (that you maybe can’t use) as your official NMF scholarship.</p>
<p>Our experience was different than Wolverine’s. Our S sent a copy of his NMF notification letter to all his schools that offered NM scholarships as soon as he got it. However, NONE of them sent him a scholarship offer that included a NM scholarship “assuming” that he would name them as his first choice. (In all cases he got a different (lower) scholarship offer based on his stats or other factors without NMF.) In each case we had to contact the school and confirm exactly what he would be awarded (and what it would replace from the offer he had been sent) IF he named them his top choice and attended. </p>
<p>My understanding is that NMF sends out the “first choices” in batches on several dates throughout the winter and spring. A school that lists an early “naming” date is forcing the students to be in an early batch. </p>
<p>Even if they sent out your name in an early batch, you can still change your choice. I don’t know the exact mechanics of that if they’ve already sent your name to another school, but I’m pretty sure that does not prevent you from changing.</p>