Hi forums.
I got a 1420 (680 math and 740 Reading and writing) on the new 2016 PSAT, and was told by someone that I didn’t make the cut for National Merit by six points, but met the commendation by 1 point. I got a 1550 on the new SAT, however.
So my question is how do you figure out this score that determines national merit qualification? Does it matter if I’m applying to schools like UofM and UPenn? Should I just be happy with my actual SAT score?
National Merit commended is a number that applies to every state and the National Merit Semi Finalist qualifying number varies by state. Those numbers will become official on September 14 or thereabouts.
Your SAT is a great score! Many schools don’t offer much of a tuition boost for NMSF or NMF although it can give you an admissions boost. There are some universities, however, where NMF status can get you very substantial scholarships up to full tuition or even a full ride.
Students from my school that made the cut apparently are already being told by their counselors so the cutoffs must have been announced? I think it’s 216 in my state.
Yes, notifications for NMSF are made in September. http://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=405
Projected cutoffs (which are based on the selection index out of 228, not the 1420 out of 1520 score) are located here:
http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/national-merit-semifinalist-cutoffs/
Your score is a 216 selection index. Commended is 209, so you got that. Congratulations.
Semifinalist cutoff is state dependent. Since you don’t mention the state, you’ll have to look at that site and find out for yourself.
PSAT has absolutely no bearing on college admission, just for national merit. Your SAT scores are great, though, so you shouldn’t have much to worry about, as long as your grades are commensurate with your SAT.
The above site is just an estimate, but appears to be fairly accurate. You’ll know for sure very shortly.
I am curious- is there a table that shows gpa ranges with “matching” typical SAT range, since I often see people commenting that it either is or isn’t typical with corresponding scores/grades. Thanks.
CA cutoff for the Semifinalist list is 221. (Just got the email from school). SAT scores are 2400 (old SAT in October 2015). How do students become National Merit Finalists?
@LotR98 The school should give the student the instructions if they made NMSF. There’s an application, essay, etc.
Chances are 15/16 that your child will make it. The 1/16 are students who have issues (bad grades, disciplinary records) or don’t bother to fill out the paperwork because their going to Mom’s Ivy alma mater full pay. 