My daughter got a 1480 on the PSAT with a 223 (our state is usually a 217 cut off so her chances of being a semifinalist are good.) She didn’t score as well on the SAT-- got a 1460. She hadn’t planned on retaking (as she will be submitting her ACT score to colleges.) Should she re-take it though? Or is 1460 a high enough qualifying score to be a national merit finalist? Thanks!
A 1460 should* be fine (should because it’s NMC and who knows what wrinkle they throw into the mix.) Keep in mind that for the class of 2017, NMC introduced a new method of confirming the SAT score and the confirming SAT score was reduced to a selection index. A 1460 could be many variations, including 800 EBRW and 660 Math vs 660 EBRW and 800 math. These calculate out to very different index scores which is why it’s important to remember to convert the SAT scores. Kids with the exact same SAT scores may have different SAT indexes and the closer to the confirming score cut off, may have different results. The NMC told parents the confirming score would be no higher than a 209 and I believe late fall they said it was 206. They do not publish that info anywhere so it’s mostly people sharing conversations they’ve had. Worth a call to see if they will share that information this year. Good luck to your daughter!
Thank you! I just found this on another thread (I searched and searched before posting but of course as soon as I post… LOL)
“My son’s SAT score is 1430 I confirmed with NM yesterday that he does make the confirming score. But they are not going by the 4 digit SAT score, they going by the Selection Index number which you can you get that by adding your child’s 2 digit reading + math + writing x 2. They haven’t decided on the final SI number but it will not be over 209. So if your child has a 209 he would not have to retest. They have his SI number on file already so you should call him and find out for sure.”
Using that formula her SAT is a 225 so probably good enough.
Thanks again~
Fabulous news! Congratulations! Now sit back and enjoy the very, very long 1 year wait… 