We haven’t heard anything yet. Hoping today!
The list starts on page 13.
S26 missed it by a point. MIchigan set a new high score 
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My DS qualified but I haven’t heard anything from school or gotten letter? When should I contact the principal?
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So, now that DD, is a NMSF (and likely finalist), what happens next? Where do I look for scholarships? Where to begin? I know absolutely nothing about national merit, as we did not expect her to test as well as she did. Just hoping to leverage parent knowledge before hitting the google.
There is a thread here on CC about Big Merit Schools for NMF/NMSF, lots of good info there. As a quick overview, NMF full rides and even full tuition are far less common than they used to be, but the handful of schools still offering these kinds of large scholarships includes Alabama, U Tulsa, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, UCF, and U Maine (and probably a few others I’m not recalling). Many other schools offer lesser amounts for NM, and sometimes these can be combined with other merit awards. There are also schools (often the more selective ones) that offer scholarships for NM but have reduced the amount as low as $500/yr. Check the websites carefully, as all of the awards generally get more stingy by the year.
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DD got notified that she is qualified for NMSF today. California - 224
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Here is a link to that thread. Offers change each year, so make sure you research what will offered next year.
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As NMSF, your student qualifies for Tulsa’s NMSF scholarship.
The 2025 Tulsa NMSF scholarship includes:
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Full tuition (excluding summers) for four years. Students may petition for a fifth year if needed to complete an undergraduate degree
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Recommended enrollment: Minimum of 15 credit hours per semester
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Required enrollment: Minimum of 12 credit hours per semester
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National Merit Semifinalist package recipients must make positive progress toward a degree as determined by the Center for Advising and Student Success Coaching
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Stacking policy: The National Merit Semifinalist Package cannot be combined with other UTulsa funding or scholarships
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Tier I housing (upgrades are available at your expense)
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Tier II dining (upgrades are available at your expense)
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Standard student fees
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National Merit Finalist scholarship: Minimum $750 scholarship from the National Merit organization (if eligible). Renewability is based on the type of National Merit funding received
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Outside scholarships: May be combined with the National Merit Semifinalist package if permitted by the awarding organization
In the same boat here!
Just as an FYI, Brad Carson stepped down from the U Tulsa presidency earlier this year; I suspect he won’t be as involved in the boards here, though I know we all appreciated how involved he was when he was in office.
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Oh shoot, I didn’t know that. That’s a bummer. He was a great resource.
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I think he retired.
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Start here;
Thank you everyone! Lots to research. Bama’s package looks amazing so she will definitely apply.
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I have a junior at Bama who was a NMF and really likes it. He is part of Blount Scholars and is majoring in Computer Engineering. Happy to answer anyone’s questions about it. My other son (2026) is a NMS and will likely end up at Bama, too.
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My oldest is at Bama in engineering and is happy. S26 will join him, even without being NMSF.
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I post a note like this every year or so. Two of my sons were NMF. In my mind, that meant they had a “hook” for the highly selective schools. That was incorrect. The National Merit program is a “Scholarship” program. Had I actually read the name, I might have realized this earlier.
If you qualify as a Finalist, congratulations! Keep in mind that the “big money” scholarships are not at many name brand schools. Arizona State and Bama are probably the two biggest.
If your goal is a cost-free education, there are definitely schools that will offer that. Do they have majors in your area of interest?
Many of the selective schools have generous need-based scholarships. One of my sons went to Notre Dame. Even though our family income did not qualify for aid with many schools (UC system in CA), we received a significant amount of assistance from Notre Dame.
My advice as a parent on the other side, develop a list of schools that offer awesome National Merit scholarships. See if they are a fit for your student from an academic, culture and geographic perspective. Visit the top 3-5 (budget dependent) and sign up for any National Merit tour they offer. Make an alternate list of the top schools that do not offer NMF scholarships. Ask them about financial aid early. At the end, hopefully you and your student can find a great school that works with your budget.
Best of luck to all of you!
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Anybody else having difficulty getting your student’s log in credentials from their high school? Seems like our school is confused. Called NMSC and they advised that the high school has to log in to get a congratulatory letter and the student’s log in credentials. However, our school hasn’t logged in yet. NMSC will not provide me (the parent) my student’s log in info. They said the school must contact them. My guess is the delay is somehow connected to NMSC sending our school the wrong student notification to begin with. So frustrating! I’ve sent the principal a email and kindly requested they call NMSC to sort things out. Can anyone provide any insight on the essay prompt and anything else my son can be working on while this gets sorted out? Thank you!
The essay prompt is: To help the reviewers get to know you, describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you.
Your son should send his SAT or ACT score to NMSC. Good luck 
Thank you! Is there a word limit for the essay?