<p>@Wolverine86:
I was simply answering the OP’s question…in the context of top-tier college admissions.</p>
<p>Don’t you think it’s unfair that the NMSF cut-off is based on one’s state of residence or, in some cases, choice of school (e.g., various East Coast prep schools)? For example, a student who scores a 218 in Wyoming might make the NMSF cut-off but another student who earns a 221 doesn’t make the cut in Massachusetts. It seems rather arbitrary.</p>
<p>If the NMS were truly merit-based, why the different standards/cut-offs?</p>
<p>On top of that, a number of NMS-designated financial awards are only available to students who happen to have a parent affiliated with a large company sponsoring the NMS scholarship.</p>
<p>An interesting side effect is that NMSF/F-designation provides a financial vehicle for some second-tier schools to recruit bright kids under the auspices of a merit-based process. Certain schools, such as USC, have been known to offer full-ride scholarship to NMFs in order to woo them away from HYPS, MIT, CalTech, etc.</p>
<p>The selection process for NMSF/NMF/NMS is rather one-dimensional, if you ask me. The first cut is based on a standardized test score alone – and we all know the inherent biases of such tests. That’s why top-tier schools discount the weight of the award/honor. I wish that the NMS would fix the system or just do away with it altogether.</p>
<p>FYI, the top schools have put in place need-blind admissions and need-based financial aid. Strong applicants from lower and middle class families should not worry about their families being able to afford the price tag of an education at top-tier colleges. Just apply. If you are accepted, the financial aid departments will put together an affordable package for the family/student.</p>