National Merit Scholarship Competition Information2011-2012 Academic Year

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation determines which semifinalists become finalists. Only finalists can become National Merit Scholars.

A National Merit Finalist becomes a National Merit Scholar at Hope College (and a scholarship recipient) through one of the following forms of sponsorship:

• The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (1 year). Hope College will supplement the freshman year scholarship and provide a scholarship for the following three years so the recipient receives a total of $17,000 per year for 4 years as a National Merit Scholar.
• A participating business corporation (4 years). If sponsorship is by another corporation and the annual value of the corporate scholarship is less than $17,000, Hope College will make up the difference each year.
• Hope College (4 years). If Hope College is the sponsor, the value is $17,000 per year for 4 years.

Hope College may sponsor only those finalists who notify The National Merit Corporation in writing that Hope College is their first choice.
The National Merit Corporation will process changes in the first choice college if written notification is received by The National Merit Corporation before April 25, 2012. Finalists who are still undecided by this date may declare themselves "undecided" provided this request is received by The National Merit Corporation in writing before April 25, 2012.

Finalists may remain undecided regarding a first choice college without jeopardizing their National Merit Scholarship eligibility with Hope College only until May 31, 2012. A final college choice must be in writing and received by The National Merit Corporation before the May 31 deadline. Since individual college deadlines regarding indecision may vary, it is best to check with each college under consideration for its particular notification policy.

National Merit Corporation may be notified in the following manner:

• Telephone: (847) 866-5161. Ask for "Selection Department". A follow-up letter or fax will be requested.
• Web: www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php [2]
• Fax: (847) 866-5113 
• Letter: National Merit Corporation, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200, Evanston, IL 60201-4897