<p>I am ranked #9 in my class (4.85 gpa) and have a 2250 SAT score. I have the usual ECs and softs. However, I did not make National Merit Scholar. Do I still have a shot at the Ivy League's.</p>
<p>Yes… of course.</p>
<p>I kind of hope this is a joke, but if not…yes. You do. Making the National Merit isn’t a prerequisite for getting into an ivy league.</p>
<p>Chillax! Go for the Ivys ;)</p>
<p>The most selective colleges actually often do not place much emphasis on National Merit awards. That is because it is one relatively short test that is taken early. Midlevel colleges often promote National Merit students for bragging rights.</p>
<p>Not being a NMSF won’t hurt you, but “the usual ECs” probably will.</p>
<p>Based upon 2009 data:</p>
<pre><code> NM winners Freshman % NM
</code></pre>
<p>Brown 91 1493 6.1%
Columbia 73 1489 4.9%
Cornell 68 3181 2.1%
Dartmouth 72 1094 6.6%
Harvard 266 1665 16.0%
Penn 125 2404 5.2%
Princeton 196 1315 14.9%
Yale 234 1305 17.9%
Total Ivy 1125 13946 8.1%</p>