<p>I'm a junior currently, and I know that the score cutoffs for each state have not yet been posted for the class of 2014, but I'm just wondering what my chances are for a semifinalist? So, I live in PA, and I got a 211 on my PSAT. I know it will mostly likely put me into the commended range, but what do you think my chances at Semifinalist are?</p>
<p>Also, do colleges really care if you were commended? Or do they only care if you were a semifinalist and above?
Thanks!</p>
<p>OneRepublic96,</p>
<p>Last year the cutoff score in PA was 214, so the cutoff would have to drop by 3 points to make you eligible for NMSF. Such a drop is possible, but 3 points is a pretty significant reduction. I’ve read that national stats indicate that scores will be in the range of last year’s scores. However, that isn’t much of a reliable indicator for predicting individual states. You won’t know for sure until early September. A 211 score will definitely qualify you for Commended status if you don’t reach NMSF.</p>
<p>The answer to your second question, “Do colleges really care if you were commended?”, can only be answered “Some do - Some don’t”. It depends on which colleges you apply to, and nobody other than the admission staff at each college can answer your question with any certainty. I certainly hope that they care. A 200+ score is in the 96%-100% percentile range, so anybody receiving Commended status should be considered a top-notch student, in my opinion.</p>