How does a National Merit semifinalist become a finalist?

<p>I apologize if this question has already been covered in another thread. I'm above the cut-off in my state to become a National Merit semifinalist (yay!) but I'm noticing most scholarships specify National Merit Finalist. So I'm just wondering how a semifinalist becomes a finalist and when I can expect to find out? Thanks!</p>

<p>Your high school should give you an application to fill out this fall. You also have to have “confiming” SAT scores, so schedule them if you haven’t yet. You’ll be notified of Finalist status in February. Most semi’s become finalists.</p>

<p>Fill out the application, write a reasonable essay, score well on SATs and keep grades up. And dont become an axe-murderer. :)</p>

<p>Heres an old thread onthe topic <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/139474-how-do-u-advance-national-merit-semifinalist-finalist.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/139474-how-do-u-advance-national-merit-semifinalist-finalist.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.nationalmerit.org/Merit_R&I_Leaflet.pdf[/url]”>http://www.nationalmerit.org/Merit_R&I_Leaflet.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Thanks that was very helpful. I think my SAT scores are confirming and I don’t PLAN on flunking any courses this year…</p>