College Application Tips for National Merit Scholars

Being a National Merit Scholar is an incredible honor, but it doesn’t make the college application process any less unnerving. If you are a National Merit Scholar, there are some key things in the college admissions process you should consider to ensure a smooth transition into a university that best fits you.

It can get overwhelming, but we’re here to help you navigate the process. Here are some college application tips for National Merit Scholars.

What Is a National Merit Scholar and What Does it Mean for You?

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a national competition for high school students based on academic merit. You qualified for the program by taking the PSAT or NMSQT and scoring in the top 1% of your state. From there, The National Merit Scholar Program designates high-achieving students like you as “commended students” or “semifinalists.” Semifinalists are chosen after submitting an application and performing well on the SAT.

Being named a National Merit Scholar opens students to a wealth of financial aid benefits.

Students recognized, whether as commended students, semifinalists or finalists, are eligible for a significant amount of financial aid. Finalists earning the title of National Merit Scholar, are rewarded $2,500 from the National Merit Scholar Corporation (NMSC). However, universities also provide scholarships based on National Merit status. At USF, National Merit Scholars can receive an award covering the full cost of attendance and automatic admission into USF’s Judy Genshaft Honors College.

Tips for National Merit Scholars when Applying for College

When submitting college applications as a National Merit semifinalist, you may not know if you are named a National Merit finalist. So, applying to colleges may look different for you.

The Importance of Deadlines for National Merit Scholars

For National Merit Scholars, paying attention to deadlines is essential. Many students believe they need to wait until their finalist status is confirmed before submitting college applications, which often occurs in January or February. However, waiting can put students at risk of missing key deadlines for scholarships and admissions.

At universities like USF, applying early is crucial to securing the full benefits of National Merit recognition. For example, USF's internal scholarship deadline is January 15th, and National Merit students are encouraged to apply by early November for priority consideration, regardless of their National Merit status. By applying early, students ensure they’re eligible for scholarships even before they know their finalist status.

Missing these deadlines could mean missing out on valuable financial aid, significantly reducing the affordability of attending college. Once again, schools like USF offer full cost of attendance scholarships for finalists, but the earlier a student applies, the better the position they’re in to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Additionally, some universities have caps on the number of National Merit scholarships they offer. Schools with limited scholarships may fill those spots early, meaning late applicants may miss out entirely. Even though USF offers an unlimited amount of full-ride scholarships to finalists who select the university as their first choice, other institutions may not follow that same metric.

What Are First-Choice Schools?

In the National Merit Scholarship process, students can select their “first-choice school.” After becoming a finalist, National Merit Scholars must designate a college or university as their first-choice school.

“Some schools will determine that they are sponsoring maybe 25 students because that's their budgetary restriction. Then you have schools like USF that if you name us your first-choice school, we're giving you full cost of attendance,” said USF Assistant Director of High Ability Recruitment, Winsome Nisbett.

This designation is important because universities may offer additional financial aid or even full cost-of-attendance scholarships if they are selected as a student’s first-choice school.

If scholars are still weighing their options, they can remain undecided until May 31st. However, once they officially select a school, that institution is notified, and the decision is locked in.

Meaning after a student declares their first choice, they cannot change it after the National Merit Corporation sends the notification to the chosen institution.

Picking Colleges to Apply to

When selecting colleges to apply to as a National Merit Scholar, students should consider more than just financial aid. While the potential for significant scholarships is a huge draw, it’s important to make sure that aspects like academic programs, campus culture, and future career goals align with the chosen schools.

Nisbett highlights this sentiment as well: “While National Merit is a component and the scholarship is a component, again we always want students to attend the college or university that they think is going to be the place where they can find a sense of belonging,” Nisbett said. “We want them to go to the place where they feel that they're going to be able to be enriched the most academically.”

Students should look into the academic offerings of each institution. National Merit Scholars tend to be high-achieving students with ambitious academic goals, so they should prioritize schools that offer strong programs in their areas of interest. Whether it's engineering, medicine, or politics, the availability and strength of specialized programs should play a key role in the decision-making process. For example, a student interested in politics might look at schools in Washington, D.C., whereas an engineering student might prioritize institutions with cutting-edge research facilities.

Location is another factor to consider. Some students may prefer certain regions or climates, while others might be drawn to campuses in major cities or near key industries related to their field of study. Students need to think about where they’ll feel most comfortable and where they can best pursue both academic and fun opportunities.

Finances, of course, play a big part in your consideration. Each university offers different levels of support for National Merit Scholars. Understanding the scholarship packages offered, and how long the awards last, is essential in making an informed decision. Feel free to contact universities directly for information regarding their financial aid.

It also is helpful to visit campuses, if possible, to help students gauge whether they feel a sense of belonging. This could mean anything from the size of the student body, the atmosphere of the campus, or the availability of resources like honors programs and research opportunities.

What to Do After Being Accepted into College

Confirm Your National Merit Status

When universities receive the list, they need to verify this information with their own admissions and student records systems. This process involves confirming that the students on the list are either applying to or have been admitted to the university. The task can be quite complex due to the large number of names and the challenge of accurately matching students.

Consider Length and Conditions of Offered Financial Reward

Check the duration of the scholarship and any renewal conditions. Some scholarships are renewable for all four years, while others might be limited to one or two years or require maintaining certain academic standards or reapplication for renewal. Pay attention to the conditions of each award to help you gauge long-term financial planning and avoid surprises.

Evaluate the Impact of Financial Aid on Your Educational Experience

Consider how the financial aid package aligns with your educational goals and overall college experience. A generous scholarship might make a more prestigious institution affordable, but also factor in other elements like academic programs, campus life, and support services. The best choice balances financial benefits with a fulfilling educational experience.

Plan a Visit

As you weigh your options and compare financial aid packages, one of the most important steps is to visit the campuses of the universities you're considering. A campus visit provides invaluable insight into the academic environment, campus culture, and can put you in touch with advisors who can answer your questions.

Contact the Office of Admissions to schedule a student-led tour at any of USF’s three campuses. A campus visit is not just a chance to see the facilities, but a step in finding the place where you will thrive both academically and personally.