Just submitted my Stanford application but forgot to include National Merit Commended. I never received any notification about it, but based on my PSAT score (207) apparently I have commended status. Should I contact Stanford to let them know that I forgot to include it, or is it not even worth it? I heard that they don’t care about PSAT but I don’t want them to think I did poorly on it just because I forgot to include this information. Any help would be appreciated!
No. Commended isn’t exceptional and they only really care about your SAT.
Thanks for the reply. Any other opinions on this?
Nope.^
I agree, commended means you performed above the average. There are more than several thousand commended students. That doesn’t mean you’re a national merit winner.
@“aunt bea” I am aware that I’m not winning anything, but I was wondering if Stanford would at all scrutinize the fact that I didn’t list any national merit honors including commended status
Son was waitlisted at Stanford. He did win a National Merit scholarship. (He was also a legacy).
Most of their applicants are NM identified so, they presume most of their applicants are either NMF or winners.
A commended status just adds to your laundry list.
The adcoms look for specifics in different activities; things that make you stand out. NM commended, won’t add anything to your app. They get hundreds of thousands of applications worldwide, and don’t have the time to “scrutinize” each app. They know what they are looking for.
@“aunt bea” That makes sense, I just wanted to make sure it wouldn’t have a significant impact on my application. Thank you for your response.
You’re welcome. Make sure you highlight your “unique” talents. Good Luck!
NMC doesn’t get you anything except warm fuzzies. Don’t worry about adding it.