Match my kid: Psychology & Music, top student with NCP CSS concerns [NC resident, 4.0 GPA, 36 ACT, <$45k, no FA if NCP finances are used]

[fiftyfifty1]

If your student does end up qualifying for National Merit, here is a thread that lists and describes some schools that give large scholarships (often full tuition or full ride) for that. There are a number of schools on this list that have strong psychology as well as music.

Big merit NMF/NMSF schools and their specialties

I was hoping to create a thread that describes the schools that offer Big Merit for NMF/NMSF status. In particular what is the vibe of each school? What strong programs does each school offer? Other standout features of each school? Particular amenities? Possible downsides? Also, what schools are “overlaps” with each school? ETA: By “overlap” I include schools that may be better known/more rejective, and the NMF/NMSF school can act as an admission and financial safety (or may be your first choice.)

(In case you haven’t heard yet, the predicted PSAT Selection Index cutoff in North Carolina for the class of 2025 will possibly be as low as 215 and possibly as high as 220, but is most likely to be 218 based on past trends. Your student’s selection index [SI] number should have been reported out on the test.)