Anyone knows how to file an appeal of a National Merit Finalist rejection? D denied based on grades (probably because of 2 Cs in 9th grade). SAT 1590, ACT 36. Thank you.
I think you need your GC’s involvement to appeal. I would start there.
One of my daughter’s friends was denied last year because of grades. It is fairly common.
FWIW, unless there is a documented medical or emotional reason for those Cs, I don’t think you’ll be successful in your appeal.
Even with a documented reason, C’s are C’s.
@Vamom72 Just wondering?
Where are you? are you from south, east coast, west or mid west?
Post mark dates? can you tell me when was sent and received from NMSF?
thanks and good luck with your appeal.
@vamom72 - really sorry to hear that, it just doesn’t make sense. It seems like a NMSF qualifying score, 1590 SAT and 36 ACT should override a couple of "C"s from 9th grade. Good luck with the appeal.
East coast. Letter received today.
@Vamom72 - sorry to hear this. I agree with the sentiment of @tpike12 that 9th grade should not carry that much weight and override such amazing ACT/SAT scores. Good luck with your appeal.
There are so many students vying for NMF, and so few spots, such that everything affects the student’s “package”: including C’s.
If there are other students, at your D’s high school, who have qualifying scores and who didn’t get C’s, guess who will be sent to the committee?
You can start your appeal with your counselor and your high school, but, honestly, it probably won’t make that much of a difference.
If “you” are filing the appeal, that doesn’t bode well for your daughter.
If you don’t mind sharing, did the letter specifically state the reason for denial was grades? And can you give us a feel for what the grades were like 10th and 11th grade (mostly Bs, mostly As, etc.)?
“There are so many students vying for NMF, and so few spots, such that everything affects the student’s “package”: including C’s.”
Is that true? I read that out of 16,000 semifinalists, 15,000 move on to the finalist stage.
If it’s any consolation @Vamom72 , your D’s exceptional scores probably mean she’ll be accepted to a tippy-top college where NMF status means nothing anyway (for admission or for money).
Thank you pickpocket for the consolation!
Those scores would be the top of our state (like #1). Really feel bad because I don’t actually feel like all C’s are alike. In our state public 4.0s run like water yet Ap average is under 3.0 and ACT average of those 4.0s hovers around 28, yet at parochial/ private schools grades run much lower and Ap scores average 4.2, ACT Average of 4.0 student is 34-35 (yes those are probably improved by tutoring…but not that much). Hmmm. Seems like some sort of equalization ratio should be applied.
@vamom72 , if your daughter appeals, I’m rooting for you!! A 1590 qualifying SAT score is awesome!! Hopefully her principal will be a source of information and support.
I truly believe that the Finalist nominalization should consider the student’s growth during the four years of high-school.
Rewarding this kind of growth and achievement should be one of the core values of the National Merit Scholarship program.
10 APs, very high chances to be a National AP Scholar (mostly 5s, very few 4s). All A grades Senior year. However, two Cs in Freshmen year…
No reason for denial in the letter.
We hope that the GC will assist with the appeal. Thank you everyone.
Do you have a copy of her transcript? Is there any chance there is a mistake on it?
I didn’t realize that rejection letters were sent out in addition to acceptance letters. Those scores seem very high, I’m surprised that this was a denial. I’m sorry you have to go through this. What state are you in?
Rooting for you also.
Some colleges do not even include grades from 9th grade when they recalculate grades,
and some prep schools do not count them either.
Wow @momofsenior1, that is harsh. Such fabulous test scores! I hope the appeal works. What does it entail? Why do grades from 9th grade matter anyway?
Have others gotten this letter? If you have not received a letter, does it mean that your child should be NMF? I also have a high scoring senior with questionable grades and am biting my nails trying to figure out if he will be NMF.
Does anyone know what is the PSAT national cut off score? Not scores by states, but the National cut off. I would like to include it in the appeal, since my D PSAT is very high.