<p>Reading CC, you might think that NMSF status is very common, but nationwide there are probably hundreds if not thousands of schools who rarely have a student who qualifies. It still is a bummer that the counselor did not take the time to read the letter. I agree that your son probably would not have had lots of extra time. The turnaround is pretty quick for the applications, but if it has not changed much, the main part is a summary of activities. The school does have to complete part of the application and it seems as though the principal did that part. Once the application is complete, it is smooth sailing.</p>
<p>Many parents and NM winners are not well versed as to what it all means. I found College Confidential early in the process ;), which helped me know that my daughter would be a semi-finalist. My daughter’s BF went to school in a very affluent area of Connecticut, but was not among the privileged class. He made NMF, but did not know that could mean full scholarships at numerous schools. He will graduate with debt ( but did find a beautiful, brilliant GF) that would not have been necessary had he had some guidance.</p>
<p>The next thing to check is whether either parent’s company gives money to NMF.</p>