<p>Congrats everyone!! I got my letter a few days ago. I am planning to go to USF because they give 48 grand over 4 years to finalists and last i checked you can’t have a college sponsored scholarship and the 2500 dollar award. And 48000 > 2500, and I love Tampa so i guess the decisions not too hard</p>
<p>Congratulations to everyone and my S! Received the letter last Friday. Kind of surprised that his school hasn’t mentioned it (to any of the Finalists) as of yet. See that there are others here to that haven’t gotten any congrats from their school. Say what?!</p>
<p>I got notification a couple days ago. Several teachers pulled me aside in the hallways to congratulate me, and my friend’s mom(!) sent me a fb message to that effect. Slightly awkward, but a nice feeling for sure! :D</p>
<p>Congrats everyone else!</p>
<p>We’re proud parents of two sons who are now National Merit Finalists–one last year, one this year! 
Both are taking the full scholarship route, so the parents are really relieved as well!</p>
<p>Congratulations to all families of Scholars. It doesn’t (usually) happen without strong and involved parents.</p>
<p>Congrats to all! S got his letter the other day. </p>
<p>Quick question - S is already into his first choice on a full academic scholarship (not through NMSC) that covers tuition only. Does anyone know whether the $2,500 scholarships offered by NMSC can be used for room and board/books?</p>
<p>Yes, it can.</p>
<p>However, keep in mind that the $2500 scholarship is for ONE YEAR ONLY. </p>
<p>And, the one time award might not appear in your child’s acct until a few weeks after school has started.</p>
<p>you’ll find out if your son gets one of these one time awards in a month or so.</p>
<p>BTW…did your son apply to any schools that give bigger NMF scholarships…such as ones that include housing as well as tuition??</p>
<p>Mom, just so happens this school was his first choice and he got the best merit aid they offer, so he did not apply elsewhere. Good to know that if he gets the $2,500, at least we can put it to good use!</p>
<p>^^</p>
<p>Good!! Congrats!!! </p>
<p>Oh yes…he’ll still be able to use the money!</p>
<p>My S just found out today at school that he is a Finalist and will get the half-tuition scholarship from USC. Yay! </p>
<p>Congrats to all!</p>
<p>The student must get admit to USC first and the student happen to be the NM Finalist then he/she will get the half-tuition scholarship.</p>
<p>Congrats to all! I’m now guaranteed half tuition at USC!</p>
<p>Have USC admitted you to their school yet?</p>
<p>My S has been admitted to USC. We were just waiting on the Finalist status because admitted NM Semi-Finalists do not automatically get the 1/2 tuition Presidential Scholarship.</p>
<p>Very happy with the NMS Program!</p>
<p>Yes, I was admitted as a finalist for prez scholarship! So excited!</p>