National Merit Finalist College Decision

alexis00
Mon, 21 Sep 2015 00:24:34 +0000

Hi everyone!

I recently found out that I am a National Merit Semifinalist, and I am currently applying to be a Finalist. I did not expect to receive this award, so I have not toured any colleges that give full ride or full tuition scholarships for Finalists and/or Semifinalists.

Right now, I am planning on majoring in chemical engineering. I may change my mind later (I’m only a senior in high school, after all) but I know I will choose a path in the STEM field. I live in the midwest, so I have done campus tours and school of engineering tours at UW Madison, University of Minnesota, Purdue, University of Michigan, and Northwestern University. I could see myself loving any of these schools, and they are all ranked high in chemical engineering.

Most of the schools that give full rides or full tuition are not ranked in engineering, but I know that rankings do not necessarily indicate the value of the program. Therefore, I am wondering if anyone has heard anything about the engineering schools at University of Alabama, Arizona State, University of Arizona, Wichita State, University of Kentucky, Mississippi State, University of Mississippi, University of New Mexico, Oklahoma State, University of Oklahoma, Drexel, Washington State, West Virginia, or any other colleges that give significant packages for National Merit Finalists.

I know that it’s a long list, so feel free to answer any parts of this question you’d like. You can add anything else about those colleges or the National Merit competition in general. I’m having a hard time right now because I thought I knew exactly where I was going to apply! Of course, it’s a good problem to have.

As a side note, I still plan on applying to most of my original choices in the midwest to see what type of financial aid package I’ll receive.

Thanks so much for your help.