National Merit commended? - 201 in MO (96%)

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hey cobra chiefs. I got my PSAT score back a few days ago and I got a score of 201, placing me in the 96th percentile. I live in Missouri and I'm wondering if this is likely to be good enough to earn me commended status.</p>

<p>Also, how in general does the decision-making process work? I've been told by an older student that the top 5% in each state are commended, but I haven't found anywhere to verify this.</p>

<p>Some information about what happens after you're commended would be helpful too. As I understand it, it works like this:</p>

<p>If commended, you take the SAT, and if you score high enough you become a semifinalist. From there you write an essay to determine if you can become a finalist.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>-- orangecoat</p>

2

<p>I think that a 201 will get you something in Missouri. I live in Saint Louis, and last year someone got National Merit commended with a 199.</p>

3

<p>Alright.</p>

<p>Can being commended result in scholarship money of any kind? Also, there's no chance of me (or really, my score) becoming a semifinalist, right?</p>

<p>Ugh. Silly standardized tests.</p>

4

<p>Yes, you can get scholarship money with commended. However, you won't get any money from National Merit itself. Instead, you can get corporate sponsered scholarships and scholarships from the college that you plan to attend. Plus, National Merit commened looks really good on your college application, which will definitely give you an edge. </p>

<p>No, I seriously doubt that you will become a semifinalist considering that last year's cutoff was a 213. But, you never know so keep hope.</p>

<p>btw--what part of Missouri are you from. (e.g.--Saint louis, kansas city)</p>

5

<p>does anyone know what commended is for ny?</p>

6

<p>I think the cutoff for commended is the same across the country.</p>

7

<p>Last year the national cutoff for commended was 201. It was 200 the year before. For semi-finalist status there are different cutoffs in every state.</p>

8

<p>I was commended last year with a 201. Nothing special happened; I just got a few certificates. I'm in Pennsylvania.</p>

9

<p>Thanks for the information. Do any of you know of any specific universities that offer money for being commended? Even if it's a small amount, it would be influential in bringing me to their university.</p>

<p>vtoodler, I live in both Saint Charles (near Saint Louis) and Maryville (closer to KC). I go to a college/magnet school in Maryville (it's held at Northwest Missouri State University) but I'm home for the holidays now.</p>

10

<p>No, I can't think of any schools right off the bat, but check out National Merit's website. You may find something.</p>

11

<p>I don't think there are any schools that offer scholarships solely based on you being commended; I may be wrong though. I think that it is just a nice thing to add to your resume especialy for the colleges that you tell nmsc to recommend you to</p>