<p>I’m just curious…how many of the folks hoping for NMSF status are interested in just the bullet-point for college apps and how many want/need the potential scholarship opportunities?</p>
<p>Our D1 was a NM Scholar in the Class of '11 and is now a senior at UMinn with a large portion of her scholarship package there being an “unofficial” NM award. D2 (Class of '15) is planning to attend one of the schools that offer a large “unofficial” NM scholarship as well. We are blessed and absolutely thrilled with the opportunities they have earned for themselves, but I know not everyone is interested in the schools that have the high dollar packages. Just wondering what the breakdown of folks looks like this year. </p>
<p>I was surprised how little emphasis was put on the PSAT at my sons school. Most kids just blew it off as another standardized test that they just had to get through. The county makes a big deal about the number of National Merit but at the school level there was not alot of information about it. They have each student take it every year from 9th grade on so maybe by the time they are juniors the students are just tired of it. </p>
<p>@Wolverine86 Seeing some of the scholarships out there, I have to say that I’m in the latter camp. In my case, a single question could come to cost me thousands of dollars But it would definitely be a plus to write this on my college app. </p>
<p>@onlythebest13…Good Luck to you!! Hopefully the numbers will work to your advantage. I know the waiting can be terribly stressful. There will also be some who make SF status, but then are on pins and needles wondering about C’s on the transcript or other potential “trip-ups” to progressing to Finalist status. It is a VERY long process…but definitely worth it for many of us in the end if things go as planned.</p>
<p>@micmatt513: You should feel proud that you are ranked in the top percentage nationally, without even studying. I agree, most schools could do a better job of letting students know what the consequences of taking the PSAT are, and how to study. It seems to be something that those who are lucky enough to know about in advance can prepare for and do well on, and those for whom it is a test at the beginning of Junior year without preparation are just thrown in. There’s no excuse in my opinion for schools not helping all students to understand and prepare. It would actually take some stress off. </p>
<p>Having said that, I feel like there is undue hype over this stupid test. The scholarships seem small and/or only for a select few, somewhat obscure schools, though admittedly I haven’t researched it much. Not to make fun at all, but college is so exorbitantly expensive, that this seems like a very small drop in the bucket that only helps if you have chosen a particular tier or type of school. Though yes, every bit helps.</p>
<p>My daughter would say it is more about having a national award on your resume. As I’ve heard repeatedly, Ivies can fill their classes with 4.3 GPA students and perfect SAT scores, but something else showing character and personality is needed. Plus, it really is about finding that school that is a good fit. Take this test in stride, don’t fret, study for your SATs and ACTs, and do what you love!</p>
<p>@Wolverine86, my 2 oldest sons are on full merit scholarships, a big portion of the money being from their university’s National Merit package. Son #3 wants to go to the same university, and is hoping for the same perks. But he will be ok if he doesn’t make it. He is an auto-admit to the university and we have been able to save for college. It would be a nice item on his applications, but Commended will look just fine on those apps!</p>
<p>@Grammargal…It depends on what type of school you’re looking for. I wouldn’t call full-ride or near full-ride packages to state flagship level public universities a “drop in the bucket”. Many folks don’t understand all the opportunities available to NMFs, and many others only are interested in Ivies, “elite” LACs, etc. where NM status doesn’t mean anything. </p>
<p>There are other perks for NM as well at many schools, such as guaranteed admission into Honors programs and guaranteed on-campus housing, which is valuable at schools where on-campus housing fills fast. My oldest son made his final decision very late, so it was nice to not only get the money, but the guaranteed dorm room. </p>
<p>NM status is great! Anyone who says otherwise also thinks those delicious looking grapes are probably sour. But NOT getting NM is not the end of the world! It’s like a fire ant bite. It stings, then it itches, then it turns into a scab, then it goes away. </p>
<p>@Wolverine86: you are right. I keep thinking about the $2,500 award, when it sounds like, even unofficially, much more is at stake. I, for one, will need every $ that might come our way. </p>
<p>@Wolverine86, my D is probably in the camp of using NMF as a point in the application because the type school she wants is a small private LAC. The schools with full rides tend to be too large for her. She will use the honor as a boost for her applications, maybe so e in-house scholarships, etc. I wish the NM scholarship schools fit her wish list! but alas, the don’t. </p>
<p>@Grammargal…It’s a common misconception, and unfortunately for students in many school districts (including ours) there’s not enough information given out to them about these potential opportunities. Many schools only think of the PSAT as a “gauge” of how a student might do on the SAT. While it may do that…these schools completely overlook the NMSQT part. It’s a shame.</p>
<p>@Wolverine86 we are definitely looking for the scholarships it offers. One of my son’s top choices, a large out of state public school with a very highly regarded engineering program, offers a package to NMF worth over $100,000. That’s a pretty nice deal!</p>
<p>@mtrosemom…Sounds like you’d be in the pool hoping for the one-time $2500 award that can be used at any school. As with many other parts of the NM process, no one knows what criteria NMSC uses in awarding those scholarships. The university sponsored awards and the unofficial university scholarships are certainly more straightforward.</p>
<p>We’re mostly looking at small to mid-size LACs but who knows, maybe this will change things! And yes, Wolverine86, it is a shame. I think many counselors don’t want to pressure the kids, but in reality, not encouraging/guiding/urging them to do well and believe they can is a disservice. Not to add to testing stress at all, but to get out the general word that “hey, if you study, this is easy.” Or along those lines, so everyone is equally well prepared.</p>
<p>@mmfrymire…We’re right there with you. Assuming things go as planned, D2 will be at a large OOS public as well. She loves the fit and feel of the large schools, so NM is a win-win for our kids!! :-c </p>
<p>Well I am also waiting anxiously in KY! Today I received an email from my daughter’s guidance counselor, I was hoping maybe it was notification about NMSF, but it was unrelated other college stuff, that went out to all of the parents. I figured I wouldn’t hear something yet anyway,…but maybe next week!!! I will also be watching to see how things turn out for all of the folks here!</p>
But it would definitely be a plus to write this on my college app. </p>