Does not having National Merit Semifinalist detract from college resume?

<p>It seems that most posts I have seen on the internet state that a very large number of NMSF or NMF apply to the top colleges (i.e. HYP etc.). It even seems like a majority of the students accepted to these schools are NMSF.
Unfortunately, I missed the cutoff (what I assume the cutoff is at 220-221) in NJ by 1 question (I had 218...unfortunately I wasn't feeling good that day). I'm just wondering, does this put me at a relative disadvantage, because if so many students have NMSF or NMF status when applying to these top colleges, does not having it put me at a relative disadvantage? If so, is this a major disadvantage or is it basically negligible?</p>

<p>It’s basically negligible. Do well on your actual SATs, and colleges won’t care.</p>

<p>I sure hope it’s negligible! I’m in the same boat - it’s just so disappointing because it’s a one-chance thing…erg!</p>

<p>the biggest advantage is the bragging rights, imho</p>

<p>Can anyone else share some insights into this matter?</p>

<p>^^agreed. PSAT is so overrated. it doznt matter to ur apps.</p>

<p>Correlation does not imply causation. I’d guess that many NMSF/NMFs also have high SAT scores, and likely high grades, are accepted to these schools because they are good applicants. The PSAT is pretty insignificant.</p>

<p>NMSF helps your application if you have it but has a negligible effect if you don’t. Don’t stress over it.</p>