I found out today that I got 1500 out of 1520 on the 2015 PSAT. I understand there is a long process to actually become a National Merit Finalist, but what would this title do for me? I know USC gives half-tuition if it’s the applicant’s first choice school, but I also heard that there is a special dorm building in the center of campus that allows only National Merit Finalists. Is this true? What else will this do for me?
Any of these scholarships interest you?
http://nmfscholarships.yolasite.com/
Be sure to talk to your parents early about what they will contribute before you make your application list. Run net price calculators on all colleges of interest to check need-based financial aid. If need-based financial aid is not sufficient, then you need to build a merit-seeking list, and having National Merit Finalist is a big help in giving you more choices in that respect.
Also, ask your parents to find out if their employers participate in the NMSC program. Many companies will provide NMSC scholarships the children of their employees.
@lostinhighschool BTW… you did awesome on the PSAT. You and your parents should be proud of this academic accomplishment even if you don’t take advantage of the NMSC scholarships.