National Merit Scholar?

[SwiftGoose]

Will being a national merit scholar have any benefits when applying to the academies? Obviously, I understand that scholarships mean nothing, but I'm curious if I should spend more time studying for the PSAT.

 

[ktnatalk]

Will being a national merit scholar have any benefits when applying to the academies? Obviously, I understand that scholarships mean nothing, but I'm curious if I should spend more time studying for the PSAT.

It may or may not. However, your PSAT scores are requested if you apply for NASS, and being a National Merit Scholar qualifies you for many scholarships, some will even offer you free tuition and zero cost for room and board. That's a great way to secure a plan b option to say the least...

 

[wannabeplebe]

Will being a national merit scholar have any benefits when applying to the academies? Obviously, I understand that scholarships mean nothing, but I'm curious if I should spend more time studying for the PSAT.

I agree with above post. Many schools will offer very good scholarships for the NMF and NMSF. You won't be notified of a finalist status before the application for USNA is due but it's always a plus to be able to put semi-finalist status under award sections. To put it simply, it can never hurt.

 

[MamaBear4]

Tons of benefits for civilian colleges. Makes an excellent Plan B and is a good review for the ACT/SAT.

 

[bandathlete157]

While I can't speak to the significance of being a National Merit Scholar in the application process, I can say that you should study for the PSAT either way; there's a strong correlation between those who perform well on the PSAT and those who perform well on the SAT/ACT. Additionally, although money one may be awarded as part of a scholarship will not be used to cover the cost of room, board, or tuition at one of the academies, I have been informed by an admissions representative that USNA allows entering midshipmen to use any scholarship money they have received to be put towards their other expenses and see a little more of their monthly stipend. Hope this helps.

 

[Brawny77]

Will being a national merit scholar have any benefits when applying to the academies? Obviously, I understand that scholarships mean nothing, but I'm curious if I should spend more time studying for the PSAT.

Might help some, looks good on resume, especially if your SAT scores are also this high. But where it will really help is with your plan B offers. Big bucks out there for national merit winners. My oldest son got National Merit and is on a full ride at Baylor ( full tuition for national merit and a leadership scholarship covers the rest) Several schools come after national merit winners. Alabama, OU, Baylor to name a few. My second son got national merit commended ( close but not quite) We put it on his resume. He is a Plebe at USNA