Top Colleges for National Merit Scholars?

Hi y'all, I'm a National Merit Scholar and I'm planning to use my scholarship strategically. Are there certain colleges that attract a large number of us? I want a scholastically charged environment and being around my fellow Merit Scholars would be motivating.

Congratulations on your National Merit Scholar achievement! Many colleges indeed provide generous scholarships to National Merit Scholars and tend to attract a good number of them each year.

Universities such as the University of Southern California, Northeastern University, and University of Oklahoma have a high number of National Merit Scholars among their student body thanks to the scholarships they provide to winners. For instance, the University of Southern California offers a half-tuition Presidential Scholarship to finalists who list USC as their first-choice college.

However, it is crucial that you don't let the National Merit scholarship factor alone dictate your college choice. Be careful to also delve into aspects such as the fit of the academic programs, campus culture, location, and opportunities for research or internships. A college's welcoming of National Merit Scholars signals that it's invested in attracting high-achieving students, but that's just one facet to consider.

By the way, don't forget to confirm if your scholarship is renewable and the necessary criteria you need to meet in order to maintain it throughout your college career.

Let's hope your college journey is an enriching and rewarding experience!