<p>So, I'm wondering what a good target SAT score would be for me if I'm planning on applying to Rice and other schools of similar caliber. Here's my stats so far.</p>
<p>I'm not particularly happy with my SAT scores, especially compared to my PSAT. I feel like I could do better because I was sick that day on top of other things. However, would there be a huge advantage in retaking the SAT, and will my lower score affect my chances of becoming a National Merit Finalist?</p>
<p>Speak to your guidance counselor about your SAT vs. PSAT scores. I do know to progress to Finalist, one requirement is your SAT confirm your PSAT score. I'm not sure what an acceptable difference is, but your counselor should know.</p>
<p>btw...congratulations. Both sets of scores are awesome!</p>
<p>I heard that almost everyone who is a semifinalist goes on to become a finalist. I know someone who was in the 99% on PSAT and got a 1440 or something like that on the actual SAT and she still became a finalist. I don't think that a 1440 is bad at all, I don't want you guys to get the wrong idea. I think your SATs are fine. If it bothers you so much then I think you should take the SATs again, just to give you peace of mind. I personally don't think SATs matter that much because I got in with a 1300 and not very much better on my SAT IIs. Also, the NMF doesn't give you that much money at Rice. </p>
<p>Don't rely on your academic stats to get you into college. I have heard of a lot of people that didn't get into the college they wanted to and it was because all they had was these perfect stats but nothing actually interesting about them.</p>
<p>I definately agree that the SAT isn't a huge factor in admissions, especially at Rice. I've got my share of activities and things to set me apart. But scores do count for something, and it's the difference between psat and sat that bothers me.</p>
<p>I've talked to both my guidance counselors and also a friend of mine who goes to Rice and I've gotten different opinions from each of them. I'm posting here because I'd like to hear some other people's opinions, and especially if anyone is/was in a situation similar to mine.</p>
<p>well i dont thing the psat reflects much. some of my friends got like 180's in it and then made like 1400-1500 in the sats last year so it tells nothing in my opinion</p>
<p>My d progressed to Finalist, but her SAT scores were significantly higher than her PSAT, so I'm not sure what to tell you. What did your counselors recommend? </p>
<p>I agree your SAT scores are adequate for Rice, and Rice is like most highly selectives in that they don't really throw a lot of money at NMF. In fact, many highly selectives don't offer anything for merit. If there is the possibility you will also consider other colleges which offer substantial scholarships to Finalists, you do want to take whatever steps necessary for progression. And interestingly, NMC announces Finalists at exactly the time evaluation of regular decision candidates occurs at most colleges. So that distinction could play into admissions decisions.</p>
<p>Again, your counselors' advice is what you should follow on this. If you are a junior, I believe you have quite a bit of time in which to take another SAT for National Merit purposes if that is what is recommended. And if they are comfortable with your scores, then I think you should be as well.</p>
<p>I think the issue at hand is what is required to insure a candidate moves from NMSF to NMF. </p>
<p>Also, the PSAT is the test that determines whether a student will be a NMSF, National Hispanic Scholar or National Achievement Scholar. All of these honors translate to significant scholarship awards at many schools. My d has rec'd full ride offers from three schools, and awards ranging from $15,000 to $70,000 at several other highly regarded schools. For middle class students who are not wealthy enough to throw the tuition budget out the window or poor enough to qualify for need-based assistance, the PSAT and the NMC are extremely important.</p>
<p>That being said, I would encourage every h.s. sophomore to sit for the Practice PSAT to get a feel for the test, and every h.s. junior to prepare diligently and take the PSAT for the National Merit competition. </p>
<p>I agree... and taking the psat as a sophomore is very helpful. I took it my sophomore year and got a 214, so my score went up 30 points between last year and this year. It's a big help.</p>
<p>I'm thinking that the SAT might work the same way; you're score improves the second time around because you know what's going on. </p>
<p>Idmom06 - What schools did your daughter apply to that give out a decent amount of scholarships for NMF? That would be really great to know.</p>
<p>Serge- The PSAT is a PracticeSAT. Prep for the PSAT is virtually identical to prep for the SAT; therefore, if you succeed on the PSAT, you will succeed on the SAT. [In Kathryn's case, she was ill on the day of the SAT and that accounts for the very minor score gap.]</p>
<p>Every student should look at every opportunity to sit for a PSAT as preparation for the SAT. Even if you don't 'win' anything in the NM competition, you win by increasing your SAT scores and your options when it comes time to apply for colleges. Too many kids pass up the PSAT not realizing the opportunity value lost.</p>
<p>mom.....you havent taken the test....so dont try to speak like an expert through your syllogistic reasoning. I took prep classes and i didnt think they help much, everything they tell you is about commons sense, and techniques that everyperson already has through the long years of arduous test taking. at the end, it all comes down to the base the student has in the subjects being tested that lead to their abilitites in math and english.</p>
<p>It can be confusing when you get different advice from your various GCs. Of the 16,000 folks who are NMSF (with your high PSAT score you should be one), 15,000 advance to NMF. To advance, you are notified & given a packet & application in the fall of your senior year. In the application, you are required to write an essay, list your ECs, send in your transcript & a rec from your GC. You also have to send in 2nd quarter senior grades.<br>
One kid I know who didn't advance from NMSF to NMF had grades drop significantly in 2nd quarter, including a C. I've read that folks who broke school rules also failed to advance form NMSF to NMF, if their grades were low. Not sure how much the essay really counts or ECs, but they are part of the ap.
I honestly don't think your SAT scores would be much of a barrier to your becoming a NMF, since I know kids who got PSATs lower than yours & SATs of around 2200+ & became NMFs. You can call the folks at National Merit Corporation & ask them for more info & clarification. Here is their contact info--I've been told they're very friendly & helpful.</p>
<p>National Merit Scholarship Corporation
1560 Sherman Avenue
Suite 200
Evanston, Illinois 60201-4897
Main Telephone: (847) 866-5100
Main Fax: (847) 866-5113</p>
<p>lol serge you are too funny....actually I have taken the test though it has been many years. Perhaps YOUR deductive reasoning needs a little fine tuning (jk :-) Just because I'm a parent, doesn't mean I didn't take the SAT or go through the college admissions process.</p>
<p>Both my children took the test for Duke TIP as early as 7th grade. My son took the TIP exam last month. My d rec'd state recognition from the TIP program and as I mentioned went on to become a NMF and NHS in her high school years. I do not think my d was born with some inherent ability to master the PSAT and SAT. She did well through preparation, both through classwork and specific test preparation.</p>
<p>My personal experience, as both a parent and a teacher, is every exposure to the PSAT and SAT test and related test prep serves to more adequately prepare the student. What I believe to be true is backed up by teaching and counseling professionals both in and out of the school system. Our district offers PSAT prep for the cost of learning materials and they encourage all students to take this prep, even those they consider not really in the running for National Merit recognition. We have the numbers to prove that students will receive some sort of benefit during SAT testing from the school sponsored PSAT prep. For some kids, it will translate into huge point increases due to increased knowledge of the subject material; for others it may merely mean they perform better because they know what to expect and are not as nervous. If a student makes a meaningful effort to participate in these classes, preparation can only enhance what they have learned during years of classwork.</p>
<p>Himom - I have also heard of kids not progressing to finalist, most due to low GPAs (< 3.5 unwtd) and conduct issues, as well as receiving a negative recommendation from school administrators. But I do know kids who rec'd Cs in AP courses their senior year, who progressed without problem. The main purpose of submitting the SAT score is to confirm the PSAT score. I cannot honestly say what a negative point gap will mean to the OP. Her gc should be able to act as her advocate and get this answer for her.</p>
<p>no tunning necessary at all.the test is different now days in during ur time and i just meant to say that we also know aht we are talking about because we have taken this test and we went through all the stress in the college admission process. so when someobody answers somehting it doesnt mean we are not being constructive just because the answer doesnt appear edifying. sometimes underneath the learned tone i find the condescending attitude. in another post...you suggest me to keep my honesty to myself...dont try to come in here and tell me what to do through ur use of euphemisms ("suggestions").</p>