DD got her NMF mail! We’re thinking of visiting UTD and UCF based on responses in earlier postings. DD has not applied to either since we were waiting for NMF decision. Is it too late to apply?
@xpd600090 No, not for UCF, they have rolling apps. It’s pretty quick. As noted before contact Luke and he will let you know what you need to do. Deadline for honors application is March 1st I think. I’m sure they will give you priority if you just reach out. UTD is rolling admit as well. I would contact their NM folks and let them know you are interested.
I know UCF waives admission fee and I think UTD does as well. At this late in the process, it might be worth just submitting since they’re giving you free college ! 
Again, talk to the NM folks first.
UTD let’s you apply without actually paying the fee, it shows up as a charge owed until you get them your NMF information and then the waive it.
We just arrived and will be attending their NMF Preview Day on Monday. I’ll post a UTD visit report on Tuesday.
@3scoutsmom ugh, wish we could have provided you with better weather. Have fun, We know quite a few kids from our district going to UTD !
You know how we really can’t brag about our kids’ NMF status to our friends who have kids the same age? Today I had a phone call with an elderly friend of my mom’s, who asked after my children. It was SUCH a pleasure to say “My daughter is a National Merit Finalist!”
Does it make sense to indicate a first choice school as one that is highly selective even if they don’t give $ just to show level of interest? My D hasn’t indicated a school yet. She has some acceptances, one gives small National Merit money. I really don’t know how to advise her. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I don’t think the highly selective like Duke, MIT, Brown etc. care about being selected as #1 as they don’t really even participate - I don’t think they are even notified as they are not part of the process
@prodesse So you’re saying it’s a bad thing I had a “Proud Dad of a National Merit Finalist” Belt Buckle Made? Its slightly smaller than the hubcap on a Buick, what do you think, Too Gauche?
I don’t know @Phlipper, I was thinking of suggesting S, H and I all get matching NMSC logo tattoos. It’s a tasteful logo, right?
@quinntheeskimo I don’t think duke, mit, brown offer scholarship for nmf anyway, and they’re not listed as schools to select from.
@3scoutsmom enjoy the UTD visit! Look forward to hearing anything interesting you learn.
Yes, that’s what I meant by don’t participate, but I think you can list any school
So @quinntheeskimo, are you saying Brown, Duke, etc are not yield protecting?
Not sure what you mean- I just don’t think being a NMF and selecting them as your number 1 choice had any influence on acceptance into one of the elite schools- they don’t even ask on the application if you are a semi finalist
I’m not 100% sure, but it looked like to me the NMSC is only sending lists to colleges that are “sponsor colleges”. Colleges like Duke that don’t sponsor NM awards wouldn’t receive a list of students on March 1.
I suppose you would still want to designate whatever school you plan to attend (whether sponsor college or not) for purposes of the $2500 and/or corporate scholarships (if applicable)?
Still waiting in an international locale 
… haven’t got the reject letter either, but given the amount of time the post seems to take, that could be as likely at this point 
Can’t wait to read your report @3scoutsmom, Hope it is a fabulous day for your 2 sons!
@Punky99 I believe today is the day that you can call NMSC to get finalist confirmation! They are fast to reply and the number is on their website.