<p>My school (a large public school in Boston) hasn't handed out National Merit stuff to students yet. I got a 223 (99%) on PSAT in 10th, and two of my friends have like 218 and 221. I think we are all semi-finalists, but our principal is a witch (with a "B") who hates smart kids and isn't very good at her job. Neither is most of the staff in the office honestly. It's pretty much chaos here. Only the troublemakers get attention. But now i am worried, even though my guidance couselor said don't worry there is still time... Now I came on here today and I see that all of this is supposed to done by now? And i already applied to 3 schools for Early Action and if I do get this does it mean those schools won't know about it? Should I call someone at National Merit to ask what to do? It's Thanksgiving next week and I'm beginning to think that the office either lost the mail from NM or they jus are too lazy to give it out. I think it's too late even if they have it? Anyone? My moher says don't worry too. Am I crazy to think that the adults are failing here? It's hard enough knowing I can't apply to some schools due to money, now i think I just realized it's worse than I thought.</p>
<p>When are you graduating? Are you a senior or junior this year? Did you take the PSAT last year (in what grade)?</p>
<p>If you are a 4th year student (aka senior) this year, and took the PSAT last year (as a junior) and received a 223 (and if that score is indeed the cutoff), then yes, you should qualify for SF, however the paperwork was due long ago and you will be unable to become a finalist at this point.</p>
<p>You need to contact NMCorp and tell them your situation. The deadlines are not hard and fast. NMCorp often doesn’t “punish” kids for their schools’ incompetance.</p>
<p>edit…</p>
<p>Wait…are you a jr or sr? Another post suggests that you’re a junior and maybe just got your scores???</p>
<p>His post is confusing. He says that he’s applied to colleges…so did he ONLY take the PSAT as a sophomore and not as a junior??? Or is he graduating early?</p>
<p>Agreed about the confusing part, hence my questions to him on another one of his posts, trying to figure out what is going on. I suspect he is a current junior and referring to last year’s score and will be graduating in 2013, but we should know soon (well, as soon as he replies :-))</p>
<p>Sorry for confusing things. First of all, I am a senior. I made a typo in my original message – my PSAT was last year in 11th grade…sorry I was typing it on my phone and missed that I typo’d that. (I did take them in 8th as part of a Johns Hopkins program, but i don’t think that counts). </p>
<p>Oh, and also I’m a girl. Someone said “he”.</p>
<p>Thank you all it seems like maybe it is too late based on everything above. I will talk to my guidance counselor again today after lunch. Thank you all so much!</p>
<p>Edit: I think i need to cal NM instead of waiting longer… I wil plan to do that. But I think it’s still too late. I asked around my classes today and there are at least 7 kids like me who probably have NM commended or SF in my AP classes. Doesn’t NM contact the schools if they don’t hear back???</p>
<p>You need to go to your GC’s office and have her call NMCorp while you’re there to get this straightened out. The school made the error, so NMCorp may be lenient. </p>
<p>If your GC is reluctanct to do anything, then get your parents involved. Don’t delay.</p>
<p>*Doesn’t NM contact the schools if they don’t hear back???
*</p>
<p>Supposedly, they do. I think you need to get your parents involved now pressuring the GC to contact NMCorp immediately.</p>
<p>Don’t delay! NM Corp may be more lenient if your GC calls but DO IT NOW. And do not let your GC off the hook. Make them do the call while you are present. And listen in.
Contact NMSF yourself to see what your options are.
Depending on where you are and where you want to go the scholarship money and opportunities can be significant.</p>
<p>My school handed me my stuff, but seem to have forgotten all about me after I’d filled out my part of the application… my parents had to go in and make my counselor call NMcorp to sort everything out. I think NM will give you a pass on this one if they know it was your guidance counselor’s fault, but you need to do something about it ASAP.</p>