Commended?

Parents Forum
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<p>Splashmom:</p>

<p>Ordinarily, the information is sent by the NM Corporation in late August. If your D scored 213, she can safely assume that she was Commended. I would suggest calling the NM Corp. We did so last year when the deadline for applying for NMF was drawing near and we had heard nothing from the school. We were able to nudge the school on publishing the information and starting the process toward NMF after we received the information from NMC.</p>

<p>I agree with some posters that Commended is an honor and that it can make a significant difference at a number of colleges. It may even lead to some merit money.</p>

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<p>Yes, include Commended award status.
In several states, those with 221/220 on PSAT are only Commended
but compare very favorably to national stats.</p>

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<p>If she got the letter this spring that she was in the top 50,000 juniors on the PSAT, and if she didn't make the cutoff for NM semifinalist, she is Commended.</p>

<p>Some schools -- like my sons' -- do not give commended certificates until the end of the school year awards ceremony. That doesn't mean, however, that the student can't list the award earlier. S, who is commended, immediately updated his resume to reflect that when the announcement was made in school about NM semifinalists. </p>

<p>All of the students who made the cut for top 50,000 are either NM semifinalist or NM commended. Just check out the National Merit site on this or if you have any doubts remaining, call up National Merit.</p>

<p>And commended is a good honor to list. While probably places like HPYS don't care (nor do they particulalry care about National Merit because so many of their applicants qualify for those awards, and if the students don't qualify, it was because of a fluke like missing the test or being sick on test day), many other colleges respect those awards, and even will list their NM and commended students when bragging about their incoming classes.</p>

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<p>How about missing semifinalist by 1 point? That happened to me (NY). I got 217 and the cutoff for semifinalist is 218. Isnt that a huge kick in the butt?</p>

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<p>If there is a space for listing your score, you should put it. Colleges know that cut-offs differ from state to state.</p>

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<p>I just want to voice my strong agreement with those that say that Commended status is absolutely something to include under awards. I also really have to express my negative reaction to those who dismiss certain awards as being insignificant because certain very elite schools might not view it in the same way that slightly less selective schools would. Giving that kind of off-hand advice, without knowing anything else about a student or his/her list of schools is, I believe, potentially damaging to students who are looking for guidance. Certainly, we parents all have a responsibility to only dispense advice when we have a real basis--through some knowledge about the poster asking the question, and through knowledge about the issue--- upon which to form an opinion. Telling a student to leave off an award without knowing anything else about him/her is irresponsible.</p>

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<p>I think a lot of you here miss the point. First, the original OP asked about listing the award without confirmation. I said to not worry about it. Why?
Because being NM Commended is solely about NM marketing efforts.</p>

<p>IF anyone here really thinks an award based solely on a loosly proctered exam, shorter than the SAT, given a student's junior year, means much to a college, then sure, go ahead and list it. But maybe you will now also understand why kids that are commended can do better than NM Finalists, why kids that didn't even make commended can do wonderful things, too, like, gee, even get into an Ivy - because it is an "award" with little meaning.</p>

<p>From an adcom point of view, there is far more information in SAT scores (not to mention GPA, recs and so forth) than there is in the PSAT exam and commended status. Heck, there's more information in those things than in a NM finalist designation. That a college cares a hoot about NM finalists says far more about NM publicity than about the quality of its designees. The NM scholar program is actually rather unique in that it is based on such a flimsy foundation, one rather short exam with all sorts of limitations and biases. (go see fairtest.org for more on these biases.) And yes, the exam is the basis, not the essay or recs. </p>

<p>Donemom, I don't need to know anything about him/her to advise about a junk award. To presume that a less selective school might see value when an elite might? It would need to be a pretty lame school, IMHO.</p>

<p>I'm not surprised my post stirred up comments. I AM surprised that so few other parents here are so clueless about the lack of value in such awards. There's probably no harm in listing it, although it's a pretty frank admission that one did not make NM finalist. But it certainly does not add anything to an application.</p>

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<p>"If anyone here really thinks an award based solely on a loosly proctered exam, shorter than the SAT, given a student's junior year, means much to a college, then sure, go ahead and list it. But maybe you will now also understand why kids that are commended can do better than NM Finalists, ...."</p>

<p>I disagree strongly. I don't think that anyone here is suggesting that being NM commended would place one at the top of all colleges' application pool. However, being NM commended certainly could serve as a tip factor at many colleges (though not at places like HPYS, which are so flooded with NM finalists/commended, etc. that those awards do not make students stand out in their pool).</p>

<p>Being NM commended or finalist for that matter is of increasing importance as colleges' competitiveness decreases. Thus, for a tier 2 or tier 3 college, NM commended might even be something that would lead to a student's getting a merit scholarship. At Harvard, the same awards probably lead to adcom's eyes glazing over.</p>

<p>Among colleges offering scholarships for NM commended are: St. Olaf (a decent LAC in Minn.); Gustalvus Adolphus (commended students get to compete for scholarships worth $12,000);and various Oklahoma public universities for in-state residents. By Googling, one can find other indications that some colleges are very impressed by NM Commended. </p>

<p>I also notice that in a list of their prestigious Robertson Scholars, Duke noted the students who were NM commended, which leads me to believe that the award helps students get those great scholarships. When Earlham's president greeted this years freshmen class, the president cited how many Commended students were in the class.</p>

<p>As the mom of two African American sons who made NM Commended, I saw lots of evidence that their doing so well helped them stand out in the admissions pool. Since a couple of years ago, only 72 black students in the US scored above 1500 on the SAT, I would assume that the number of black students who make NM Commended is probably only in the double digits. </p>

<p>Many colleges, including top ones, go out of their way to recruit National Achievement Scholars -- the top black students on the PSAT (who need, from what I can figure out, index scores of about 190 or higher). Colleges also recruit National Achievement Commended students. Those colleges would be even more eager to recruit a more select group of black students, those making NM Commended. </p>

<p>Of course, as is the case with any award, EC, etc. colleges consider Commended along with the rest of the student's application. I don't think that anyone here is saying that Commended will mean students will be automatically accepted without colleges considering the rest of their application. It can be, however, a tip factor, and in some cases can help students get merit aid and other opportunities.</p>

<p>Also, being Commended can help one stand out when applying for outside scholarships. I've been on local, regional and national committees, so can attest to this.</p>

<p>"The NM scholar program is actually rather unique in that it is based on such a flimsy foundation, one rather short exam with all sorts of limitations and biases. (go see fairtest.org for more on these biases.) And yes, the exam is the basis, not the essay or recs. "</p>

<p>The students also need to receive appropriate SAT scores and have qualifying grades.</p>

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<p>Thank you, Northstarmom, for giving such a detailed and well documented response. I think the problem with your point of view, newmassdad, is that it is based primarily on YOUR POINT OF VIEW, rather than on that of many schools. While you may, correctly or incorrectly, believe the whole National Merit thing is bunk, YOUR POINT OF VIEW is not representative of many colleges, and some of those that do value it may very well be on the OP's list. So, that's why I take issue with your quick and authoratative response.
By the way, one of the reasons the PSAT is defended as a means for selection is because, for most kids, it is taken prior to prep courses, and may therefore even the playing field somewhat (yes, I know there are aguments against this as well). But this thread is not about debating the fairness or predictability of the PSAT or NMS's marketing success, it's about what is in the best interests of this particular student.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
I'm not surprised my post stirred up comments. I AM surprised that so few other parents here are so clueless about the lack of value in such awards. (NM commended)

[/quote]

Newmassdad, How is this award less valuable than most of the schlock awards that High Schools pass out? Honor Society anyone? Harry M. Schlossinger book award? Foreign Language Student of the month? Give us all a break! While you might not like NMCorportation, there is some value in a nationwide standardized test - and value in the awards that they hand out - including commended status. And in regards to NMF status, while NMCorp doesn't identify ALL smart, scholarly kids - ALL kids who end up as NMFinalists ARE smart and scholarly kids. They must have recomendation from administration, strong grades and strong SAT scores. Yes, some kids who are just as bright and scholarly fall through the cracks and don't become NMF, due to lower PSAT scores, the statewide system of point cutoffs, etc. - but ANY award has some problems. Some kids who deserve it don't get it. That's life. Let the OP place this award on her resume or application and be proud of it. It is something to be proud of.</p>

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<p>My son was a commended student last year having missed the cutoff by two points. Ironically, his exact score qualified for NMSF from our state for both the year that graduated before him and also the year that will graduate after him! <em>lol</em></p>

<p>We happily and proudly included this award on his applications. Whether or not it had any bearing on his outcome, I do not know, but IMHO it IS an honor to be proud of and should be mentioned on the applications. </p>

<p>And yes, small things CAN make a difference sometimes. My son was offered a 3/4 tuition scholarship at UMiami last year and was told that he was not given a full tuition tuition scholarship because those were reserved for vals and sals, and he was 4th in his class. He was 4th because he had ONE B+, an 89.4, in Honors English the second semester of his freshman year, and a couple of others who had not taken quite as challenging a curriculum had ended up ahead of him. The point is that .1 point on that ONE English average cost him lots of potential money. </p>

<p>So, yes, I do think commended status can push a kid over the edge, whether it be for admission or merit money, at many colleges. ~berurah</p>

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<p>Since this thread has devolved into a conversation on the value of certain awards, I have seen some people list nomination to one of those National Leadership forums on their chance posts. Is this a meaningful honor or just filler?</p>

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<p>emperor-
Why dont you start a new thread on that topic rather than redirect the issue here about National merit?</p>

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<p>I, too, take issue with the idea that being Commended is a "junk" award. It's an achievement, and I think you ought to give a moment's thought to the Commended student who comes here after having used the search function and sees your comments. They are not even a majority opinion, much less borne out in the process. My son missed last year's SF cut-ff by one point and would have been SF the previous year--and managed to do so with a simple arithmetic error after doing Calc BC on his own, at that. Even so, he ended up with a large scholarship based primarily on test scores. Sure, he took the SAT and the ACT as well as the PSAT, but the PSAT was what first got their attention. </p>

<p>The bottom line is that you have a very broad audience here, and I think you need to be a bit more sensitive when throwing around judgmental adjectives like "clueless" and "junk."</p>

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<p>SplashMom ~ </p>

<p>Bolstering what I posted earlier, your daughter's Commended award is a valid achievement, and should be used on her apps. It is something to be proud of.</p>

<p>And, I'm not so sure that it won't help her even with her top schools. When I was in high school (albeit a pretty long time ago), I was a Commended student, 1400++ SATs, 5s on APs, 743 in math SAT II, high 600s in the other SAT IIs. I was accepted by every college I applied to (except one then seven sisters school...and I was told that it was because I wasn't a legacy), and I was awarded full scholarships to each one. I ultimately chose Geo. Wash. Univ., which is now ranked as a "most selective" college by USNWR. So being "merely" a Commended student didn't hurt me a bit. And being "merely" a Commended student won't hurt your daughter a bit either.</p>

<p>If your daughter is delighted by her achievement, let that radiate on her application, in her essays, and in her contacts with each school she's interested in. I would think that the appropriate schools would find this unselfconscious positive attitude to be refreshing and an indicator of the type of student they would want on campus. If not, then, IMHO it's their loss...and move on to a school that sees the real her and appreciates it. IMHO our children are a gift to the school they attend, and not vice versa.</p>

<p>Best wishes to you and your famility. OB</p>

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<p>I think it's really good to be commended. I'm a National Merit Commended, although just barely I'm sure (I had a 202) it made me feel happy.</p>

<p>I'm a National Achievement Semi-Finalist now, and although no one said it, I had the feeling that people felt that the only reason that I was being recognized was because I was black. Being National Merit Commended still proved that I'd scored 6th in my class, and it was enough to be recognized.</p>

<p>I plan on putting National Merit Commended on my app, and for awards for other scholarships.</p>

<p>Tell your daughter I said, "Congrats!" and that, we are awesome.</p>

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<p>brickbreeze, also put "National Achievement semi-finalist." There are very few students who are National Achievement and National Merit Commended.</p>

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<p>brickbreeze, congratulations on your wonderful achievements! You have every reason to be proud. Be sure and include both awards on your applications. Keep up the good work! :)</p>

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<p>Really? Of the 3 Semi-Finalists, 2 of us got Commended. I figured that's how it worked (not down to the bone of course, but about 67% being Commended as well). Wow ^_^ that makes me feel ever better!</p>

<p>Thanks. I'll remember to put the both down.</p>

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<p>brickbreeze, there are probably 100-200 black students in the country who did as well as you did. If you search the Wash. Post archives for a 2003 article on black students and the SAT, you'll see the figures for the black students who scored over 1500 on the sat and who scored 1450 on the SAT. The numbers are very low. </p>

<p>If you look in back posts using CC's search feature, you also may find the stats as I've cited them and parts of the article several times. Unfortunately, my computer ate my stats, so I don't have the stats now. </p>

<p>S was commended and a National merit semi-finalist, and adcoms have been very impressed. BTW, your SAT scores may be higher than those predicted by your PSAT. S's SAT scores, s, v on the new SAT were a total of about 100 points higher than his PSAT predicted. He did study for the SAT, which can help. He'd studied for the PSAT, too, and I think the extra practice studying helped.</p>