<p>^^^Our school pays for the test in 9th and 10th grade, and yes they do use the results for placement. The school offers a lot of AP classes and has an IB program.</p>
<p>"fluke"
that's a pretty harsh term to me</p>
<p>def overrated cuz im not one xD. jk</p>
<p>It is good to be a national merit finalist if your family has a high expected family contribution but your parents won't pay for your college. You aren't going to get financial aid. A number of colleges (not top 25) give national merit finalists full tuition. Very helpful. And these are good colleges!</p>
<p>I'm a NMSF and I'm continually amazed at the emphasis some places put on it. The amount of money schools tie to this program is quite frankly, just ridiculous. I'd say NMSF is overrated by institutions, but not quite as much by the general public, because the institutions' overreactions add to the value, if I'm articulating that clearly.</p>
<p>With it, I can get full tuition by spending three hours in a room. Best deal ever!</p>
<p>Yes, its overrated. Just think about there are as more as 15k students could've got it. That said, for some it is the easiest way to get some kind of merit money, if there is any.</p>
<p>I think it is overrated in value, underrated in how people go after it. My High school places no emphasis at all on the PSAT, and pretty much ignores the NM side of things. This is despite the fact we had a girl get a complete full ride for it, and I'm looking at a similar deal. Hugely valuable opportunity, and it is very overlooked by many here.</p>