<p>This may be really stupid but I’m in the dark. My son is a senior and is a National Merit semi-finalist who needs financial aid. If he makes finalist and goes to school instate, he’ll get state scholarships in addition to the NM money. But … he has a new wonderful girlfriend who’s going to a private college and now he’s thinking about applying there. I know they have scholarships too but I doubt it’s as much.</p>
<p>My question: can he be accepted to both and make his decision later? I’m so afraid he’ll decide on the private school then break up with the girl and be stuck.</p>
<p>That is not a problem. Yes, he can be accepted to many colleges, but usually must make a decision by May 1. Lots of students apply many places and then decide which college to attend after they see which ones accept them.</p>
<p>It depends on the terms under which your son was accepted. If it was ED, then he is bound by the terms of the ED admission to attend the school. While it is not always enforced, he risks losing acceptance at all the colleges if he is found to be in violation of the ED rules.</p>
<p>If he applied EA or SCEA, he is free to apply to as many other colleges as he wishes and wait until April to make up his mind as to which he wants to attend. </p>
<p>Since he appears to be going to a state university, it is unlikely he would be in violation of ED rules.</p>
<p>I understand what ED means and he didn’t do that but I don’t know EA or SCEA. This is quite a relief to me that he can plan to go to her school but be free to change his mind. Thanks.</p>
<p>One thing to remember about many state universities…you should send in a housing deposit if your son is likely to attend. Many schools do not have sufficient housing for their incoming freshmen. In most cases this deposit is refundable if you notify the school prior to May 1 that the student won’t be attending. Read the acceptance material carefully…it should contain this information. EA and SCEA are early action applications (SC is single choice) and the students apply early and receive decisions earlier than the RD applicants. However, the acceptance is not binding and the students are free to apply or matriculate elsewhere.</p>
<p>Thanks. U of Florida will offer him honors housing, scholarship opportunities, etc. IF he makes finalist. If not, well … he can still apply if he wants.</p>
<p>I’m a little worried about it actually. His SATs were not in the high high range of his PSAT. 760 critical reading. 720 math.</p>
<p>I think most semifinalists do become finalists. To get the big scholarship NM scholarship at UF, he needs to designate them as his first choice in the Spring. I’m not sure if he forfeits that if he goes to another school and transfers back, so you may want to check on it.</p>
<p>You don’t need to be NMF to get “Bright” scholarships to FL state schools. You also need high 1400 (old SATs) to be accepted into honors program at UF. High scores can qualify for at least 50% of tuition at U Miami. They have several awards, ranging in amount offered. Is g/f attending a private school in FL?</p>
<p>Private school. Yes. Eckerd. I think he’s in the adolescent phase of “if mom suggests it, must do something else.” Won’t say what’s wrong with UF but is trying to find something else to put as choice one.</p>
<p>I believe your son’s record will probably also get him some nice scholarships at Eckerd. If he genuinely likes the school, great. If he’s going to follow a girlfriend (particularly at such a small school), it may not be such a good idea.</p>
haha</p>