I'm a National Merit Finalist, and I've heard there are scholarships for us. Anyone have any leads on where I can find a list or info about such scholarships?
Congratulations on being a National Merit Finalist! There are indeed scholarships available specifically for National Merit Finalists. The National Merit Scholarship Program offers three types of scholarships:
1. National Merit Scholarships: These are $2,500 one-time scholarships provided by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The selection is based on a combination of factors, including academic record, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Just be aware that only about half of Finalists will receive the scholarship.
2. Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are offered by corporations for children of their employees, residents of certain communities, or students who have career plans related to the sponsor's business. The value of these scholarships varies, and they can be one-time awards or renewable for four years of undergraduate study.
3. College-sponsored Merit Scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to National Merit Finalists who enroll at their institutions. The financial value of these scholarships can vary greatly, with some providing full-tuition scholarships while others offer smaller awards.
To explore these options, you can start by visiting the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's website. They provide resources and information about the various scholarships available to Finalists. Additionally, when you're applying to colleges, check each school's website or contact their financial aid office to ask about their specific National Merit scholarship offerings.
Don't forget to also apply for any additional scholarships or financial aid opportunities outside of the National Merit Scholarship Program. There are numerous resources, such as Fastweb and Scholarships.com, where you can search and apply for scholarships specific to your interests and background. Good luck!
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