I recently found out that I was 1 point (!!!) off from qualifying for the Semifinalist list. After a few days of feeling bitter, I have finally come to terms with it. I am just wondering, how important is being a Semifinalist/Finalist in this competition for schools like the Ivies (Harvard, Yale, etc), especially if you’re Asian? I know that one award won’t make or break me, but still, all the people that I know from my area that have gotten into those schools have qualified for this scholarship. Any input?
Me too, one point off! Honestly I’ve heard that colleges (especially the more competitive ones) are caring less and less about national merit scholar.
Harvard/Yale those kind of schools don’t really care as too many people get those awards.
Getting the award/Not getting the award will not affect your chances to those schools.
Thanks guys honestly made me feel a lot better hope you’re right
Also, should I even put “Commended Scholar” on my app?
If you have no other awards, sure, it’s fine.
If you have other awards that are more important, put those there instead.