Yes.
I assume so – I’ve heard 90% become finalists. I think a large part of that other 10% may just not bother with the application if they’re applying to schools that give no merit aid for it.
My child is a National Merit semi-finalist for 2026 and submitted their portion of the application. However, we just learned that the school has not yet submitted the school recommendation. The wording on the letter my child received says that everything must be submitted by October 8th, so we are freaking out a little bit here. Can the school still submit this tomorrow? Is the deadline midnight on October 8th or is it essentially tonight?
(Just realized I posted this question in the wrong spot. Mods please feel free to clise my other thread.)
I closed it.
I don’t know, but I assume October 8 means they still have tomorrow to do it. I would call someone in the National Merit organization first thing in the morning and explain the situation, then show up at the school to ensure it gets done! (Squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they say.)
I would be livid if my child missed out on a potential scholarship because the school couldn’t get it together – especially if you’re considering one of the full rides!
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Our school called and received an extension until 10/31
Have them call (847) 866-5161 from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central Time
Good luck!
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Whirlwind trip (flew in after school Friday, got in at 7 am vis red eye and got to scholar’s day by 8.30 and flee out Monday after national merit tour and arrived midnight tuesday) to check out The University of Texas at Dallas - just in time for the direct train (5 minutes walk from campus) opening linking DFW to UTD in less than 45 minutes. We attended 2 events - the large group scholar day the day we flew in, which is a good overview, but some of what is presented is a bit different for NMSF/honor kids so the one on one tour on Monday clarified some details. This is because the Collegium V honor kids get priority registration and no need to schedule in person meeting with advisor, but there is a separate honors orientation in August. we met with 4 NMF who are current students, all seem happy with varying priorities: 2 are big gunners taking 19 credit hours per semester (the 2 were also kids who started with 15+ AP classes), the other 2 were involved in campus activities and life. Definitely a university where you have to choose what you prefer in terms of socializing and not a big busy football-culture type college but my son said to him that is a plus not a minus. There are extra requirements for individual honors program - Collegium V and Davidson (for business majors) but most are good for life/career development. for example the need to attend 2-3 events for the honors, ie go for an opera or symphony or dance with the Collegium V cohort or attend a career development talk or open table for Davidson honors. All Collegium V honor students also get 2 free tickets to attend opera or symphony or dance - this is sponsored by the Margaret Mcdermott foundation (spouse of one of the founders of TI), lots of career opportunities for the honor kids. Nice 3 single rooms in an apartment in their freshman dorms with a shared kitchen in the lobby. Ranks quite high on my son’s list, but may not be the best fit if a student is looking for a large sports and rah-rah college. Managed to take a side trip to the Dallas Arts Museum, Samurai Museum and Kyle Warren Park, easy to get to with train/bus.
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This is such good info, thank you so much for sharing!
We are really torn, because UTD has a perfect major for my D26, and she doesn’t really care anything about sports – but she’s such a band kid that she would want at least a little “rah rah” atmosphere, plus a large pep band – if she decides she doesn’t want to march in college.
(Alabama is another that offers the NMF full ride, but last year something like 750 students auditioned for 400 spots in the marching band, and that doesn’t work for my kid at all – way too big and too competitive.)
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I would definitely recommend a visit in person if you can and get the national merit one on one with the students and honors college team.
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