<p>just curious if National Merit is a big factor in admissions...</p>
<p>it probably doesnt make much of a difference</p>
<p>With the quantity of students qualifying for Semi, I doubt it would make a significant impact, much less to say about Commended.</p>
<p>I guess the only "real" benefit is the potential scholarships.</p>
<p>The scholarships from the foundation itself is quite minimal. $2500. However, some private and public institutions will give out full or almost full rides to those who are named a National Merit Finalist (or Scholar of course).</p>
<p>In the admissions process, it may not be a big factor, but it certainly doesn't hurt. Plus, about 16,000 students qualify for Semifinalists. I wouldn't say that's a large quantity give that it's slightly less than 1% of the people who took the PSAT.</p>