<p>Ok I found my PSAT score report and I got and my nation-wide results were:</p>
<p>Crit Reading: 97%
Math: 97%
Writing: 98%</p>
<p>But my overall percentile nation-wide is 95%, how does that work? My state results were much better (99%, 98%, 99%) but apparently that matters little. And does my PSAT result, I got a 195, affect my acceptance into the semi-finals of National Merit or is that based on my SATs?</p>
<p>Semi finals for national merit? It is based on PSAT. 195 won’t get you there in any state.</p>
<p>So it’s impossible for me to even be considered for National Merit now? Even if I do really good on my SATs?</p>
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<p>The SAT has no effect on one’s being a National Merit Semifinalist. Also, you’re only a sophomore; one’s sophomore PSAT score has no effect on anything.</p>
<p>Are you a sophomore or junior? NMSF is only for Juniors so you still have a year to bring it up if youre a soph</p>
<p>I’m confused, then how do you become eligible for National Merit? I thought your PSAT result determined if you made it into the Semifinals and your SAT result determined if you make it into the Finals.</p>
<p>No, PSAT determines everything. but a 195 won’t get you NMSF/NMF so if you’re currently a junior, don’t expect it</p>
<p>It is only possible to be selected for National Merit based on PSAT scores. You could have 2400 on the SAT and it would not matter if you did not have a high enough PSAT as a junior to be a semi finalist. Once you are selected as a semi finalist based on PSAT scores then the SAT score becomes important for making finalist.</p>
<p>If you are a sophomore then this PSAT was just a practice. Only the Junior PSAT counts for NM.</p>
<p>Here’s the breakdown:
You are correct that your PSAT results determine Semifinalist status. However, they only count scores from your junior year’s PSATs. Since you took it as a sophomore, it doesn’t count for anything and you have another chance next year. If you score high enough as a junior, you will become Semifinalist; then, they’ll ask for some materials, including your SAT scores, so that they can review them and advance you to Finalist.</p>
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You have to make it into the semi finals (based on Junior year PSAT) to be even considered for the finals.</p>
<p>Ohhhh I’m a sophomore. But it’s kind of weird because in Florida (at least Seminole County) Sophomore’s are required to take the PSAT so I assumed I wouldn’t take it again as a Junior. Thanks for the info I didn’t even study for my PSAT this year, I actually even forgot we had it and didn’t finish, and I still got a 195. Now on here a 195 may be an atrocity but in my school it’s actually really good so I think if I actually study and manage my time during the test I can get much higher than a 195.</p>
<p>And 1 more thing. From my understanding the NAtional Merit Scholarship itself is only worth $2500 but from there colleges can offer you a much larger scholarship correct?</p>
<p>"one’s sophomore PSAT score has no effect on anything. "</p>
<p>So true. I know people who met the criteria freshman year and saw their score drop below the cutoff junior year. Bummer, I know. However, I think their cases are atypical as most people improve their scores. 195 is really good!</p>