<p>So I got notice today of a scholarship offer from a corporation through National Merit (I'm a finalist). The issue is that it's a lot less than expected - in fact, less than the $2500 one-time National Merit Corporation scholarship. My question is: does anybody know if I re-enter consideration for the $2500 scholarships by turning down a company one? Or is it just game over, so to speak, if I do?</p>
<p>Is it a one time offer?? Or is it a renewable offer? (ike $1k per year?) Is the letter clear on that? What does the letter say? </p>
<p>Which corporation is it?</p>
<p>I would be hesitant to turn it down. Only 2500 students out of 15,000 get the one time 2500 from NMCorp. We’re your stats spectacular? (very high PSAT, very high SAT, etc…you’re in Mass, you’re competing against the other NMFs in your state.</p>
<p>You would have to call NMCorp on Monday to find out if it’s “game over” if you turn this down. It may be game over…there is some rule that you can only be officially offered one NMF scholarship.</p>
<p>This brings to mind a question that I have. If you get the $2500 from NM Corp., can you turn that down if you know that your first-choice college will offer you more money and/or a 4-year scholarship?</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>LR4150…</p>
<p>You need to “do the math”. You need to find out what the “official” portion of the NMF scholarship from the school is. </p>
<p>Schools that give free tuition to NMFs are not counting that entire amount as “official”…probably only $1k per year…which is still more than one-time 2500.</p>
<p>I’ve never really understood how the one time 2500 offers are decided. But, if you have provided to NMCorp a First Choice school that will give you a big NMF offer, then NMCorp knows that and either you won’t get offered the 2500…or NMCorp will likely call you to discuss which way nets you the most money.</p>
<p>NMCorp called us to manage my son’s corporate offer with his first choice school’s big offer. Son got the 2500 per YEAR from Corporate, and only lost $1k per year from his colleges’ very bid NMF scholarship. So, he came out ahead. :)</p>
<p>When in doubt, call NMF…they’ll help you get the most money.</p>
<p>Alright, for the sake of clarity, I got into (and am going to) Harvard, which doesn’t offer any National Merit-related money. The scholarship is $500/yr for years, assuming good GPA, etc, from Liberty Mutual, potentially up to $5000/yr for 4 years, with any increase from the minimum of $500 based on financial need. My family income is about $270k/yr before taxes, so we don’t exactly “need” more, per se, but $58,000 per year isn’t cheap for anyone either. Obviously it’s only a difference of $500, but I was nevertheless curious. I’ll probably end up sticking with the Liberty Mutual scholarship just for safety and simplicity, but I’m still curious if I could have pursued the $2500 one instead.</p>
<p>elgecko…</p>
<p>So, you’ll get 500 for 4 years? $2k total? If so, that’s a “bird in the hand”…why risk getting nothing? </p>
<p>Are you saying that LM would give more IF you had need? </p>
<p>Well, let someone else have that 2500 one time offer. You’ll be getting 2000 over 4 years…that’s close enough.</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Congrats…you’ll become a National Merit Scholar!</p>
<p>Somebody needs to tell Liberty Mutual that its minimum should equal at least $2500 over four years.</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids, yeah, I realized that’s the most valid reasoning. And you’re precisely right - if my family income were less, say <$100k/yr, they would offer more money, up to $5000/yr.</p>
<p>@MD Mom - Yeah, that would be nice… It’s obnoxious, especially when the whole time, all the information my mother got through Liberty Mutual kept repeating the $5000/yr number. There had never been any mention of a much lower minimum, with anything more than that contingent on need. I know I’m fussing over what amounts to less than a quarter of a percent of my college bill overall (let’s not even consider grad school), but still, it’s frustrating.</p>
<p>Oh well, thanks everyone.</p>
<p>My husband’s company sponsors a scholarship and I can tell you that I would have no problem having DH let corporate know that the minimum should be equivalent to the NMC scholarship. You might have your mom make a call. If you don’t ask, you certainly will not get it.</p>
<p>I have had very good luck getting clarification from the NMSC re a corporate scholarship so my first recommendation is call them.</p>
<p>if Liberty Mutual’s works the same way as our corporate: if you are a finalist you are obviously guaranteed the minimum. You may then “apply” for a higher amount, telling the National Merit Corp the school you will be attending, the cost, and whatever other aid you have received. They will then let you know, IN MAY, whether you will receive a higher amount.</p>
<p>However it works - congratulations!!</p>