Kid may have a grade problem. Crushed ACT and likely SAT based on pretests and his gut…we’ll see.
That said, two C’s linger. Seeking feedback on those who didn’t make it to finalist on where Semifinalist Status alone would be great and still qualify. Looking at USC, Baylor, Oklahoma, Minnesota, ASU, U of AZ…and others…
Suggestions on schools that award sizable scholarships on having been a semifinalist
Help?
This is a really good link, but it is not dated so am not sure how current it is. Use it as a starting point, but verify current scholarships by calling colleges or checking their FA websites.
Thanks 4kids…great link and I’ll go that path
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Looking at USC
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I don’t think USC gives merit to those who don’t move onto finalist. Their scholarship page says National Merit Finalist.
I don’t think Oklahoma has a scholarship for NMSFs, either.
If you google a school’s name and include the words National merit scholarship, then you’ll often get the link that lists their scholarships that are related to National merit status.
Alabama would give him free tuition if he doesn’t move beyond NMSF. He’d get 2500 per year additional for CS or Eng’g.
He’d get more if he makes NMF.
Thanks for the help. We’re going to have his best recommender share that he missed 45 days in the last three yearss being sick and came to school twice that as one of the reasons and hope for compassion
Fully up-to-date as of two weeks ago.
Some of the best for NMSF are UAH, Fordham (must be top 10% in class), and the Mississippi colleges.
@BobWallace Is it possible to put a “updated” date somewhere on the document each time it is updated? That way folks know how current the information is.
Our son is highly unlikely to make NMF due to D’s on his transcript (semester/year, not quarter). We’re proceeding as if there’s no chance at NMF for the most part. He is probably applying to Drexel on the off chance that the folks who pick NMF are asleep at the wheel and he sneaks through. He agreed to check out the colleges that give money to NMSF, and likes the programs offered at University of Mississippi. We’re going to visit early next month and see what he thinks.
It’s possible, but I don’t plan to. I get enough inquiries without adding people who want to complain that I haven’t updated it recently enough. 
@BobWallace Fair enough…just SO grateful for your hard work compiling and updating the list!
Mstomper…I feel your pain…2 Cs, but similar…as you investigate, I’d appreciate if you shared your findings and I’ll do the same
@RedbirdDad, Alabama- Huntsville offers full tuition for Semifinalists. My son wants a school with a film minor, which they don’t have. With a good overall GPA and good SAT, there are plenty of opportunities. My kid has the good SAT (1460 CR+M), but his GPA is a tick under 3.4 with 3 D’s.
@mstomper Is that 3.4 your son’s weighted GPA? If he has a 3.5 weighted, then he’d get free tuition at Alabama…and that school DOES have a very good film school.
@mom2collegekids, I think it’s unweighted. He does have plenty of magnet and AP classes. I don’t know if the D’s disqualify him at UA. I checked with Ole Miss and they don’t there.
Bama doesnt’ care if he has D’s. They only care about GPA and test scores. So, if his weighted GPA says 3.5 on his transcript (including ALL classes…even PE and electives and even religion)