<p>I am an Asian male with a 4.0 GPA at a topped rank high school in Illinois. I received my PSAT results, which were not great. A few stupid mistakes took me out of the running for National Merit Semi-Finalist. I know that my score will at least get me National Merit Commended, but will not getting Semi-Finalist affect my chances at admission at a top college? My other standardized test results have been good, but I did not do well on this one occasion. Can you please help quell my fears that I will be affected because of these results. I have plenty of extracurricular activities and leadership roles. Can you please help me in judging the importance of the PSAT and National Merit to college admissions? (Ivy League and similar)</p>
<p>Bro all national merit is good for is money at schools that offer it
Hardly affects admissions
although USC is a bit whorish when it comes to natl merit</p>
<p>So if money’s not a big deal for my family, then I really don’t need to worry? (Not applying to USC)</p>
<p>Thousands of students are admitted to Ivy League colleges every year who are NOT National Merit Finalists. Especially if you can get a good SAT score, do not worry about it. Focus on the things you can control (grades, SAT/ACT scores, subject tests, ECs, and good recommendations).</p>
<p>u really don’t need to worry
plenty of ppl at my school didn’t get national merit semi finalist status but still ended up getting 2250+
the natl merit designation is not prestigious to ivies
all it is is a score</p>
<p>Well, I disagree that it is not prestigious to Ivies. But there are TONS of students who get in without it, too.</p>
<p>I mean
im saying if ur sat score is 2250+, not being a national merit semi would be inconsequential</p>
<p>intp?
same
dat Einstein personality type nomsayin</p>
<p>Most NMF also have great SATs (my kid is NMF, also has a 2390 SAT). I am saying it is not an inconsequential award, as it shows consistency over time in testing (high PSAT and assuming high SAT if a good candidate for an Ivy). Students also need good grades, write essays, etc. In fact, a lot of kids missed on NMF this year because of one C in their high school transcript (they have been a bit more lenient in the past). So while I think it enhances an application, it obviously is not the deciding factor in admissions. And tons of people get in without it (and a lot of NMFs do not get in, I think).</p>
<p>I guess NMF’s aren’t really a big deal. Of course it helps, but overall, not much. They give you some full-rides to selected schools though.</p>
<p>I got a 35 on the ACT, is that enough? (210 on PSAT in Illinois)</p>
<p>National Merit is for only PSAT I believe so and I don’t think 210 made Semi Finals; It was around 220 I think (not sure).</p>
<p>I mean is the 35 on the ACT I got enough to counteract the negatives of not getting Finalist?</p>
<p>more than enough</p>
<p>Thanks everybody who responded, you really make me feel better about my situation.</p>
<p>I believe that the cutoff last year for National Merit Semifinalist in Illinois was 213. However, the number changes every year by as much as 3 points, although typically the change is smaller and can go in either direction… So it is possible (although not too likely) that the OP will make NMSF. No telling until September, though. But yes, a 35 is a very good ACT score, strong enough for Ivy admissions if you have the other qualifications they are looking for. I would not worry about the NMF status at all.</p>