<p>I have the gpa to meet the requirements for national merit scholar, after I make finalist. Typically they want kids to have at least a B average from what I hear, so thats not my problem. While my gpa is low( well below average at a 3.7ish weighted, or a 92.8ish on a 100pt scale) for top schools, I have taken the highest classes available with the exception of one class throughout my highschool career. This leads me to believe it is good enough to get me into many schools with the exception of the top 30 or 40. In other aspects, I am in range for top schools with my 212 sat (1440 cr+math, which will go up), my fair to good extracurriculars, awards, and research position. </p>
<p>I don’t see national merit as an award to help make up for my lack of gpa, but It would certainly help to balance it out. Obviously, not obtaining the award would not hurt me, but gaining such an item could be the small boost I need to go where I want.</p>
<p>MenloparkMom, I do not know where your sources come from, but I can guarantee you that there are frequent decreases and increases in the cutoff from year to year. I am not sure if you misinterpreted my question, but it leads me to question your qualifications. If you are trying to impart genuine knowledge, sorry if I seem pompous, but if you are just another ■■■■■, this isn’t the time of place.</p>