<p>I got a letter from the National Merit organization stating that I made National Merit Commended status (and they'll decide if I am a semi-finalist later), and that I can send this information to two colleges of my choice. However, I was not all that impressed with my PSAT scores, which are over 100 points lower than my SAT scores, and if I send the commended status, the PSAT scores will be sent as well. Would sending this information to high-ranking schools help my chances (show them they're one of my top 2 schools) or hurt my chances (show them my PSATs were lower than my SATs)?</p>
<p>I was thinking of sending the scores to Cornell and perhaps Carnegie Mellon.</p>
<p>Agree it won’t hurt. And will add that it likely won’t help either. For selective schools, NM recognition is nice but not a significant factor in admissions.</p>
<p>My d sent them to schools that might be impressed with National Merit Commended to show early interest - she has an interest in Duke and we thought that would be a waste - I would guess most of their students were commended! She sent them to large OOS schools that take few out of state students (UNC) - outside chance it will help!</p>
<p>My son also got the letter that he is commended. I am wondering how much the letter that the National Merit organization sends out helps? We are torn as to which schools to send the letters to. </p>
<p>My son has great test scores, but his gpa is not so good. He also has extraordinarily strong extra curricula and leadership activities. He is decided that he will have the letter go to Vassar, but is undecided about the second choice. He is interested in Brown, but it is a big reach school for him. I am wondering if sending the letter to Brown would just be a waste since he probably won’t get in. The other choice is American. He is really interested in American and will most likely get in, but he is not a shoe in. So we are thinking that the letter should go to American to possibly lock it in. What do you think?</p>
<p>I’m afraid the truth is that B will not care that he is commended. The general advice given here is that there is nothing to be gained by listing highly selective schools for NM. Save the letters for schools that are more match/safety or schools that have merit scholarships that he may qualify for.</p>
<p>Yes, I think American would be a much better choice than B.</p>