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My add son is as layed back as anyone I've seen on the whole college application process. I think he's gotten an essay written, thanks to school. I think he's worked on the common app. already. He's not applying ED anywhere so doesn't see a rush for anything. Then, today, as I'm looking at the local paper that came in the mail he says, "Oh, my picture is in there." For what I ask. He's one of 20 students from his HS who got National Merit Commended student recognition, and I didn't even know it! Knowing his scores, I thought he may have a chance at that, but had thought something would come to the home first too, along with the school. So, as he said he's told others, it's an award with no scholarship money. Now, really, what does it mean? Is this something that he can or should put on his college apps?

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 09:33 pm: Edit

Congrats! Yes, he should put it on his scholarship apps. From what I can figure out, the accomplishment is impressive to all schools except perhaps Ivy-quality schools, which get so many National Merit applicants that even National Merit doesn't really impress them.

I believe that St. Olaf college in Minn. even offers a small scholarship for commended students. It also may be that particularly at tier 2 schools or schools in the bottom half of tier 1, being National Merit Commended might help your son get merit scholarships or honors program invitations. It really is impressive at most colleges when applicants are in at least the top 5 % of seniors, which is where your son's PSAT score put him.

By Choff (Choff) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 09:39 pm: Edit

Thanks. I'm hoping that, his SATs (1490) and good EC's balance out the 3.4 gpa he has. The schools he looking at are the small liberal arts. So far, William & Mary, Mary Washington, Dickinson, Gettysburg, and Richmond. I hope something there works for him. Of course, it also means he needs to get the apps done! I'm trying so hard not to be on his case about it!