My selection index is 223, which I’m hoping is enough to get by as a semifinalist. Also, assuming that I become one, what steps do I need to take to become a finalist? If 15,000 out of 16,000 are accepted, then what do I need to do (or not do) to be a part of the unlucky 1,000?
Yes, you will be considered. They haven’t set a boundary yet but with that score, I’m almost certain you will be in.
I concur you will make the cut for semi-finalist with the only doubt being if you are in one of those states whose cutoff is in the stratosphere. The unlucky 1000 is not a set number, it is an average. You do have to get your principal’s recommendation and they do look at grades. A student at my DD’s school baked brownies with pot in them and brought them to school. Needless to say, he did not get the recommendation and was part of the unlucky 1000. There also is a lot of discussion on C’s and how many of them will disqualify you from making finalist. You also have to take a confirming SAT (and send the score to collegeboard) and fill out paperwork and an essay. If you miss any of these steps, you will not be a finalist. Most students have no problem fulfilling all the requirements. Congratulations!
Sorry, just noticed the title. You are in Texas - I think you got it. The highest it has ever been is 220 - so again congratulations!
Thanks! My school was pretty vague about the steps to make finalist and couldn’t give me a definite answer about it.
From now until early September, the things that you need to do for this are keep your grades up, take a SAT test (prior years the confirming score needed was a 1960 or better, with the new test I don’t know) and keep being a good student. There are many schools that offer great merit packages for NMF, you might want to start researching those schools. There is numerous lists on this website of those schools. Normally, an essay that you write for admission can be used for NMF.
In early September, your school will notify you that you are a NMSF and you will be given instructions on everything that is needed. Any questions - just write here - you will get a lot of help.
Congrats! I think your score is very good given 228 is highest score you can get. Do you know if there are a lot of kids at your school did well? The test was changed so I’m wondering whether people thought it was easier or harder than the old test. You can also go to nationalmerit.org website to read about how to qualify for finalist
Many of my friends ranged from 1400- 1470, but only 6 or so in my grade made 1490+ that I know of.
Keep up your grades (no C’s), get a qualifying SAT score, and complete the application on time. You should be set if you do all that!