<p>Hello,
I'm a high school senior, US citizen living abroad for the past so many years. I got through the first 'round' of the NMSQT, and was asked to select two colleges for recommendation in May. I haven't gotten a reply since then, and was wondering what exactly was supposed to happen? Also, how do I list this achievement out on the Common App? Sorry, I'm not acquainted with the entire system and am currently in total confusion!
Thanks!</p>
<p>acciquote:</p>
<p>The straightest line to the information you want is to call the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) at (847) 866-5100 and explain your situation. I suggest you do so ASAP because it is possible you are an uncontacted National Merit Semifinalist (NMSF) and you might still be able to apply to become a Finalist (NMF).</p>
<p>-- If you received a letter last April you were among the top 50,000 scorers. Those top-scorers eventually break down into two groups, 16,000 NMSF and 34,000 Commended students.</p>
<p>-- It is difficult to know which of these you are because the qualifying standard for NMSF varies by geographic location. However if your PSAT score was 221 or above you certainly qualify as NMSF and will probably want to apply for Finalist status. The official deadline for this has passed but it is possible exceptions will be made.</p>
<p>-- If you do not qualify as NMSF, you can still call yourself a Commended student and use that designation on your applications. The NMSC should send you official notification of this status.</p>
<p>-- You will want to call the NMSC immediately to at least clarify your status and receive your official notification. You might also need to discuss NMF application steps. NMF status brings with it the possibility of both scholarships from the NMSC and significant merit aid from schools in which you might be interested. You can find a list of such schools elsewhere in this forum.</p>
<p>-- Last spring the NMSC gave you the opportunity to notify on your behalf two colleges of interest to you about your status. Those two colleges (if you availed yourself of the opportunity) might or might not have done something with that information in regards to contacting you, but that is now irrelevant to your status.</p>
<p>Hope this helps. Let us know what happens.</p>
<p>Accioquote: any updates?</p>
<p>Thank you so much! Unfortunately, I couldn’t reach them because of some issues in our region connectivity. Hope it isn’t too late. But thanks again, will keep posted!</p>