Longhaul

Just wanted to add, while I think the high schools do have a level of responsibility, I am more frustrated with National Merit Corp for not notifying the students directly. I don't understand why they notify the student for commended status, but not semi-finalist status.

Massmomm

So glad you are able to get his application in, even though the school (not you!) missed the deadline. I think NM is flexible with deadlines for exactly this reason. Some schools are clueless.

We received nothing from NM at home, because the package went to the school, and it was up to them to notify us, which they did. However, our daughter did begin to receive a lot of mail from top schools mentioning her status as a "top student," (we just thought it was random) long before we knew she was a NMSF. So if you have any other kids in the pipeline and they start getting letters like that, pay attention and start looking online for lists of semifinalists since your school sounds like they're not on top of this at all.

Just wanted to add: Have your son's SAT scores sent directly from College Board to the NM corp right away. (I can't remember the code, but it's easy to find on the College Board site.)

HudsonValleyDad

So my day started with a carefully worded email to my son's GC, his principal and everyone I thought might have some culpability in this.
I very clearly told them I wanted their work to be done TODAY.
The principal called and assured me they would take care of it. He never did appologize. I really had to hold back, since I/we still need their cooperation.

My question for the group now is: How much does the school have to do to complete their portion of the application? I cant get access to it so I dont know. I can only see that they still haven't completed their part. !!
I would have expected them to be done by now, I assume it's only a matter of issuing my son's transcript.

Does anyone here know for sure what the school needs to do to complete their part?
Are there and GCs lurking here that could lend some insight.

Im hesitant to call the school and tear into them until I know the facts.

Thanks.

Descartesz

I have never seen the school-portion of the application but it is more than a transcript. I know that the school principal or principal-designee (usually a GC) needs to write an "endorsement" of the applicant which I have always assumed was similar to the GC recommendation competitive colleges usually require. (I know our high school collects input from two classroom teachers in order to help support what the GC writes.) I am unsure if more than this and a transcript is expected from the high school, but I strongly suggest continued polite patience as somebody in the school administration actually has to say nice things about your son.

BTW, there is a step in which an inquiry is emailed to a parent requiring logging in and granting approval before the application can be submitted by the applicant. Make sure you have executed this step otherwise the school can't go forward.

HudsonValleyDad

Im pretty sure we've done all we can.
My son completed his portion of the application - essay and activities.
I completed the parental consent.
and I'm having his SAT scores sent by the CollegeBoard.

I'll have my wife call tomorrow and ask if there's anything we can do to help.
She's calmer than me and steps in whenever I get too heated.

Soonermom95

Our school gave us a blank copy of the complete package. The school's portion is as follows:

A letter of recommendation and characterization that should outline characteristics that cannot be gleaned from grades and test scores;

A designation of the rigor of coursework taken (below average, average, rigorous, most rigorous);

Checking a box designating the description of the SF in academic achievement, ECs, and Personal Character (from below average to outstanding);

Academic Record;

Senior Year Coursework;

HS Profile Info (Including curriculum info, e.g.-highest level courses offered)

GAMomto4

If this is the only national merit semifinalist the initial work for the school profile does involve some work (Although I am not excusing their lack of follow through on this). The school profile involves entering a fair amount of data on all course offerings given by the school and how many of those offerings the student has completed.
Keep pushing!

Descartesz

So, HVD, any updates?

HudsonValleyDad

The application is complete, SAT scores have been sent.
Now we wait some more.

I called NMSC directly to confirm. They are so nice, friendly and helpful.
Everyone here on CC has been the same. Thanks you all for your help (and empathy).

rmldad

HVD - just a suggestion, but since college application season is now in full swing and your GC seems overworked/lazy, you should consider writing a Letter of Recommendation for your son and giving it to the GC. He would probably appreciate having one less item to complete and you would retain control over the process.

HudsonValleyDad

Thanks for all of your advice.
I don't want to let this particular post spread too far from the original topic or get into too much GC bashing.
But, rest assured, I'm now working VERY closely with my children's Guidance Counselors, including getting them a complete resume and what they call the parent's "brag letter.
Thank you again for all of your advice..

intparent

Uh... I don't care HOW overworked the GC is, a letter of recommendation from a parent (except in situations were a small number of colleges request it) is NOT helpful. What would be helpful is to assist your son in putting together a resume and having your son get that to the GC so all the info on his accomplishments (both academic and non-academic, in and out of school) is readily available.