Waiting to submit first-choice college decreases likelihood of getting a scholarship?

Paying for College National Merit Aid
1

<p>When I was first notified as a semi-finalist last fall, I put down that I was thinking about attending WUSTL, but I never actually sent in the card. I now know that I will not be attending WUSTL -- I've been admitted to Vandy, USC, and Davidson so far, and I'm waiting to hear from UPenn, Dartmouth, and Carnegie Mellon. As long as I decide which college to attend and send in the card before May 1, will I receive the scholarship from colleges that offer it? Or do the colleges have a certain amount of money set aside, and I should decide ASAP because it's a first-come, first-serve basis?</p>

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<p>Depends on the school – and you need to check with each one to find out. Some offer guaranteed awards to all NMFs who select them as first choice (and I’m pretty sure the NMF date is 4/26…and some schools can set it earlier…so check on that detail!!). Find out if the schools you’re considering give any NM scholarships at all (many don’t) and if so, if it’s competitive. </p>

<p>I think, if I read the rules correctly (and there are much more knowledgeable people about all this than me on this site!!!) that you needed to have a first choice of ANY college in to them by March 1 to be considered for their 1-time $2500 award, and possibly the corporate scholarships. </p>

<p>So…research, check with each school…and good luck!</p>

3

<p>Like what mommafrog said, it depends on the college. There are colleges that specify their NM scholarships are competitive and limited. So it’s best to find out the specifications for each of the college you are considering.</p>

4

<p>USC has an early deadline as they give half tuition scholarships. You need to look at each college and make the decision quickly. Some colleges need you to inform them</p>

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<p>you may want to read this thread, if you have not done so far</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/1103731-how-choose-your-first-choice-college-national-merit-purposes.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/1103731-how-choose-your-first-choice-college-national-merit-purposes.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;