What colleges offer the most benefits for National Merit Scholars?

Hi! I'm a high school junior and I recently found out I've been recognized as a National Merit Scholar. I've been told that some colleges offer special benefits for folks in my position, but I don't really know where to start looking. Could anyone help me out?

Sure, being a National Merit Scholar can indeed offer some attractive benefits when it comes to college admissions. Some universities offer substantial scholarships for National Merit Finalists, including a few that offer full tuition, room and board, and additional perks like study abroad stipends and research grants. Here are just a few examples:

1. University of Southern California: They offer a half-tuition scholarship to all National Merit Finalists that list USC as their first-choice college.

2. University of Oklahoma: They provide the OU National Merit Scholarship, which covers full tuition, fees, room and board, a cash stipend every semester, a study abroad stipend, and priority enrollment.

3. University of Alabama: They provide the Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition for four years, one year of on-campus housing at regular room rates, a $1,000 per year stipend for four years, and a one-time allowance of $2,000 for use in your first summer research or study abroad program.

4. Northeastern University: Offers the National Merit Finalist Scholarship, which covers full tuition.

5. Texas A&M University: They offer the National Scholars Program, which covers full tuition, fees, room and board, along with an opportunity for a study abroad scholarship.

These are just some examples, and a number of other schools offer financial benefits for National Merit Scholars. Keep in mind that qualifying for these scholarships often requires selecting the university as your first choice on your National Merit paperwork, so make sure to confirm the specifics at each university you're considering.

In addition to the financial benefits, many schools will view National Merit Scholar status as a positive in the application review process as it is often taken as a strong indicator of academic potential. It's also useful material for your college essays and applications, where you can showcase the work and dedication that went into earning this recognition.

Remember, it's crucial to find a college that fits your specific needs and goals, so don't base your decision solely on potential scholarship money. Take into account the university's reputation, academic programs, location, campus culture, and other factors that are important to you. Best of luck in your college search!