<p>Hi, I live in California, and I got a 219 on the PSAT. For the past few years, the cutoff here has shifted between 217 and 218. First of all, do you guys think the cutoff will likely jump from last year's 218 to 220? </p>
<p>My second question:</p>
<p>I looked at USC's website and it says that they will be giving half scholarships to National Merit finalists who choose USC as their first choice college. What exactly does that mean? A while back, when I got my letter from the National Merit folks, they told me to choose two colleges online. I did not pick USC. Does that mean I do not qualify? Or do students choose their first choice college with the Nat. Merit people later on?</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know how difficult it is to become a finalist, as opposed to a semifinalist? I could REALLY use this scholarship</p>
<p>Many questions.
[ol]
[<em>]Unlikely that it will jump 2 points, so I think you should be safe.<br>
[</em>]The two names you picked have no effect in reality.
[<em>]Apply to USC and get admission early. All National Merit finalists who designate USC before the deadline will get the Presidential Scholarship, which is half tuition. Again, you have to remember the COA for USC is about $53,000 and half tuition is about $19,000 so there is still a big gap that either USC or you need to meet.
[</em>]So to answer your question, you get to designate your college later. You can choose to designate USC but find out what their cut off is. I think it is sometime in March.
[li]Search on postings by mom2collegekids in this forum. She has list of things you need to do make sure you become a finalist. About 90% become finalists.[/li][/ol]</p>
<p>I am almost certain that I will be a finalist. If I apply before the scholarship deadline, when will I hear back about my admissions decision? Also, when should I set USC as my #1 National Merit school in order for them to give me the scholarship?</p>
<p>Apply to USC early. I think the deadline to nominate them is March 1st but I am not sure. If you post this question on USC forum, someone may be able to give you a better answer. Here is the link for USC forum</p>
<p>[University</a> of Southern California - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/]University”>University of Southern California - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>They will give you the decisions by April 1st as per the USC website.
*</p>
<p>[USC</a> Financial Aid - Grants & Scholarships - Undergraduate - Freshmen Only Scholarships](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/grants_scholarships/undergraduates/meritbasedfo.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/grants_scholarships/undergraduates/meritbasedfo.html)</p>
<p>NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Amount Half tuition (approximately $19,285)
Number of awards Varies
Notification date By April 1, 2010
Selection Criteria</p>
<p>Selected on the basis of PSAT performance. Entering freshmen are considered if they have been designated National Merit Finalists and name USC as their first-choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Application process</p>
<p>Students will be contacted by the sponsoring agency.*</p>
<p>*
How to go from NMSF to NMF
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1065059221-post8.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1065059221-post8.html</a> *</p>
<p>I think it’s unlikely that a huge state like Calif would to to 220. I think you’ll make it. :)</p>
<p>Haha, thanks a lot guys. Definitely a confidence booster. Man, I’m so glad USC is really generous with this scholarship stuff. If I can get a half scholarship, then I’d be psyched to pick USC over UCLA</p>
<p>Remember, For instate students, UCLA may be cheaper than USC even with a Presidential Scholarship.</p>