<p>I have heard several different bits of information on when High Schools are supposed to notify the students that made the NMSF list, can anyone confirm? I heard it was this week, but many of you have already heard. I guess our school was very late in telling the kids last year and they had to scramble to get their applications in, so I'm nervous.</p>
<p>We just started school last Wednesday so the counselors are bombarded with other problems, so I can't even talk with a counselor. Our son scored a 230, so we know he is on the list, we just want to get started on the application. Also, can anyone confirm when the essays and applications are due?</p>
<p>Update from our school…they finally called me back and I pretty much was scolded for asking the question. Actually…not pretty much, I was scolded. They informed me that the letter states explicitly that nobody is supposed to know until September 11th and that it was just creating anxiety when we ask these questions. Whatever!!! I was also told that no the kids don’t need that much time to write their essays, because they have PLENTY of time…oh I guess they have forgotten the 6 hours of homework each night, the sports they play and college applications that are due. Sorry, had to vent…</p>
<p>Ha! In the same boat as you, 123. I guess now that I know Sept. 11 is the official day, it’s ok to ask the school on Wed.</p>
<p>Jumping in the boat with the two of you. Son asked his GC yesterday who said he hadn’t heard anything. Son will ask principal and / or call NMC tomorrow to confirm.</p>
<p>NMSC will confirm your child’s status starting tomorrow, but it’s important for the school to track down the letter as well. IIRC, the letter sent to the school will have login information your child will need to complete their portion of the NMSF to NMF application package. If they cannot locate the letter, you may want to ask NMSC if they can re-send the letter electronically to the school or at least give you the login info for your child.</p>
<p>There is a deadline for submitting the Finalist package (I believe it’s 9 Oct this year?) but NMSC has been somewhat forgiving in the past on this deadline as oftentimes schools are new to the NM process and don’t always understand what needs to be accomplished and what’s at stake potentially. As the parent of a potential finalist, you have to walk a fine line when “urging” the school to get the application package done in a timely manner. Good Luck to you all!!</p>
<p>Thanks, Wolverine! I didn’t know that they only have until Oct. 9th. One would think the schools would want to help the kids out by giving them the most time since it reflects favorably on the school to have NMSF. I really am getting stressed out by this whole process of College apps and scholarships.</p>
<p>YW Mrspepper. If you haven’t seen it, here’s a link to the timeline and requirements for this year’s NMSFs. It shows the Oct 9th date on the last page. Make sure you’ve got your portion of the package submitted on time and “gently nudge” the school to accomplish their parts. Don’t forget to send NMSC (code #0085) a “confirming” SAT score, although you can actually use any score through the Dec 2013 SAT if necessary.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nationalmerit.org/Merit_R&I_Leaflet.pdf[/url]”>http://www.nationalmerit.org/Merit_R&I_Leaflet.pdf</a></p>
<p>The sticky thread at the top of the National Merit forum contains a LOT of great info, and the folks here on CC are always willing to help as well. I’d suggest reading through the threads re: selection of a first-choice school as there are different strategies and schools of thought on that piece of the puzzle as well. It’s certainly a stressful (and often unwieldy) process, but it can be well worth it if the schools offering large NMF scholarships are good fits for you. Congrats and Good Luck!!</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the info! Did you find a “good fit” school for NMF. We have a friend at ALabama who just started and went there because of the NMSF scholarship. Likes it so far.</p>
<p>Mrspepper…Our D1 was a NMF Class of '11, and just started her junior year at UMinn. She got $11K per year ($1K “official” NMSC scholarship and $10K “unofficial” NM from the U itself) and they offered her 3 other university-wide merit schollies which brought the package to near full-ride. She absolutely LOVES UMinn, but Bama had risen to her second choice (sight unseen). We were working the logistics of visiting Bama when UMinn’s scholarship package came through, but as soon as she opened the envelope it was a done deal. :)</p>
<p>Our D2 will be “wading into the NM fray” next year (Class of 2015). Her test scores are tracking well to have a good chance at making the cutoff, but we’ll just have to wait and see. PSAT is next month!! In any case, she’s already looking at UKentucky, Bama, UAB, UCF, Miss St, Ok State and others in the event she does well enough to qualify.</p>
<p>You’ll find there’s a pretty wide variance on what types of schools NM kids/parents are interested in. If you’re looking at HYPSM type schools or “elite” LACs you’ll more than likely find that NM status won’t mean much for admissions or do much for you monetarily. If you understand and appreciate the quality and value of a state flagship level (quite possibly debt-free) undergrad education, there are OUTSTANDING opportunities available through NM. </p>
<p>Keep an open mind, and whenever possible visit the schools you might consider as possibilities. There are postings in the Bama thread every year from kids/parents who visited simply because of the $$ and were blown away by the campus/facilities/opportunities and ended up enrolling. Too often NM kids/parents are convinced their high-performing kids will somehow suffer or backslide at a state flagship level school, and it’s just not true. I encourage you to do some research and if possible commit some time for visiting some of these schools. Don’t sell them short because of misperceptions or USNWR rankings. :)</p>
<p>I talked to GC today about some stuff but refrained from asking about NMSF. GC even talked to my student but no mention of the NMSF. It is driving me crazy. Made the score listed on CC with lots of room to spare, so why the suspense?</p>