I just got my scores today on the PSAT. I got a 1500 (750 on both sections), and a 225/228 on the index. I think that’s enough for SF? But I’m not knowledgeable on the topic of the NMSQT and the NMSC. Will I get an e-mail or something if I’m a semifinalist? Isn’t there an application process for finalists?
I’m in NC, btw. The cutoff last year was 218 I believe.
Congrats! A 225 is most certainly enough! NMSF is a very lengthy process; I believe that your counselors are notified if any semifinalists in April, but you are not officially notified until later. You will need to submit an essay and take the SAT, but 15/16 semifinalists become finalists, so you have a very good chance of being a finalist in 2018!
@kimclan1, I’m notified later as in the beginning of my senior year? That means I’ll probably have college apps already done by the time the finalist thing (hopefully) rolls around… so I can’t put any of this on college apps right? :-< Or do top colleges not even care much about NMF status?
In September, schools will be notified as to which of their students have made National Merit Semifinalist. Finalist announcements are made in February. You can (and should) put that you are a National Merit Semifinalist on your college apps.
1500 from last year checking in, you are set but the process still takes forever, you can go ahead and put it on apps tho by the time they are reviewed you will have received your award letter. Please look at some of the awesome scholarships some schools will give you!
@mohammadmohd18 Yes. Unfortunately it does take that long.
@blountwil2 Are you referring to the ones on Collegeboard’s website that offer monetary gifts to some students? Or something else?
@suzy100 Will it really affect my college apps that much? Assuming my SAT score turns out to be within the range that the PSAT predicts, the NMSF status pretty much tells the AdComms something they already know: I’m decent at standardized tests.
The best NMF scholarships come from the colleges themselves. For some schools trying to raise their student body stats, stating you are NMSF is a definite plus. Here are scholarship sites to look at:
http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/
http://nmfscholarships.yolasite.com/
http://competitivefulltuition.yolasite.com/
The lists are a little dated now so look up the schools info directly.
@“Erin’s Dad” thank you