<p>Hi I got a 218 on my PSAT in Texas so I know I made the semifinalist cutoff. However, in my Freshman year I made half B's and half A's. In Sophomore year I made all A's. And this year, I'll probably make all A's with one B in the first semester. I take all AP classes too. I know I'll probably make finalist because I heard that only 5% are cut, but what are my chances of making National Merit if I write a good essay and follow all of the process. Will my grades ruin my chances?
When I turn in grades next September, my gpa will be a 4.4. Now, its a 4.3.</p>
<p>You must be either mentally challenged or a troll.</p>
<p>A 4.3 is beyond just qualified- and you know it.</p>
<p>That's a perfectly fine GPA.</p>
<p>Don't worry about it.</p>
<p>Since, my grades are alright then are my chances of being a National Merit Scholar decent?</p>
<p>anyone know the answer...just a guess I know but its either probable or not</p>
<p>From my understanding, National Merit SCHOLAR is a lot more than a GPA. It's individuality, drive, different activities, etc., you know? The rest of the honors are based off of test scores, strictly and only. If you're into SF, you'll most likely make Finalist if you're not an axe murderer.</p>
<p>Excellent chance as long as you fill out the application appropriately, cross the t's and dont the i's. Stop worrying. Enjoy the holidays!</p>
<p>As long as you fill out the application you have a 100% of getting in. You are more than qualified. I personally believe that the only people that are cut are the ones that don't apply in time or that mess their applications up somehow.</p>
<p>Are you asking whether you will be a Finalist, or whether you are likely to receive one of the NM scholarships? You will almost certainly be a Finalist, as long as you apply. The scholarships are more unpredictable.</p>
<p>Yeah Hunt, I meant actual National Merit Scholar. Ok thank you for your feedback everyone. Happy Holidays</p>
<p>um... your GPA is amazing
tho there are many who have tat GPA so the scholarships are not certain</p>
<p>...no offense but you need help if you think a few Bs is bad. To put it in perspective, my brother was one of 20 some odd semifinalists in his school, and only 1 didn't become a finalist (his gpa was less than 2.5)</p>
<p>My S was a NMF--he had some Cs, MANY Bs & many As. If you have some decent ECs & complete your paperwork, can't see why you should have trouble qualifying for NMF unless you commit some nasty violation of school rules & get suspended or something.</p>
<p>HiMom What's an EC?</p>
<p>extra curricular</p>
<p>***. how is 4.3 GPA low..... come on. U have a chance. seriously 4.3 is well qualified for the finalist.</p>
<p>from what i see, the guy is asking about the money, not the finalist position (as people above me have already established, he's pretty much a lock for the finalist)</p>
<p>im guessing that beyond grades and ECs, a main part of the decision making is based on your actual PSAT score; for instance, if you barely got over the state cut line, you're not as likely to get the $2500 than the kid that got a 240. i'd say that you have a chance, but not to expect the money; it really is a crapshoot, from what i've heard.</p>
<p>but if you;re going for a school-sponsored award...thats a whole nother story ;) (personally, im applying to USC, where half-tuition is offered)</p>
<p>Yea, to get singificant merit money as a NMF, you need to know the schools who are generous to NMFs. The ivys & similar often don't offer merit $ but do make need-based awards.
USC is very generous to NMF, as are severall other schools. Some like USC state on their website that all NMFs get 1/2 tuiition or some offer free ride -- there have been threads about schools known for merit aid.</p>