<p>Hi :),
I'm a rising sophomore, and just took a PSAT practice test for the first time (in PR) yesterday. With very minimal studying, I got a 201-(Math=60, Crit. reading=64, Writing Skills=77). What is the difference between a national merit scholar finalist, and a semifinalist? What score do I need to be a finalist? What do I need to be a semifinalist? (I live in NY) What percentile are each of my scores in? Can studying (a lot) improve my score? It's pretty unsatisfactory... :(. Any good websites with PSAT info? Thanks!</p>
<p>there are no good websites for psat, since they want to keep you in the dark.</p>
<p>This year, Juniors scoring 202+ were Commended. Each state has a different cutoff for NMSF. For example, in Calif its been 216-217 the past few years. In the NE states, the cutoff is higher 220+. In the south and midwest (ACT country), it's generally lower. For NMSF to move to finalist, requires a confirming SAT score, confirming high grades, school rec and essay. When I say "confirming", it means that a 225 score, and a 2.5 gpa won't cut it. Most kids from competitive HS, move on.</p>
<p>Your 201 is great for a Soph. </p>
<p>I do suggest that you study hard next summer for two reasons: 1) a high psat score (NMSF) can mean automatic merit money at many colleges (not Ivies, however); 2) if you are feeling comfortable with the test, and have finished AlgII, take the SAT fall Jr year. If you score well, and many kids, do, you are done with the SAT. </p>
<p>btw: the math is the easiest for which to prep. Once you see the logic in their questions, they become relatively easy to solve.</p>
<p>you can't be a national merit finalist or anything of those other things until junior year. sophomore year is just a practice test. with that score, however, you could expect to get some sort of award by junior year, as you would probably raise it.</p>