<p>The PSAT scores required to earn Semi-finalist designation for each state in recent years can be found in various places, including CC.</p>
<p>Does anyone know the corresponding mimimum PSAT scores that were required to receive Commended designation? NOT semi-finalist, but Commended ?</p>
<p>I'm particularly interested in the recent Commended cutoffs for New York, and also Connecticut and New Jersey.</p>
<p>The commended designation as far as I know is the top 50,000 scores nationwide,and does not vary by state. I hear it's 202 this year - but don't take my word for it.</p>
<p>There's a helpful thread under financial aid and scholarships that might answer your question about national merit...I hope.</p>
<p>Commended cut off this year is 202 nationally. Same for every state. It was 201 last year, 200 the year before.</p>
<p>Semifinalist status is then determined on a state-by-state basis - the cutoffs for each state have not yet been announced for this year. Last year the cutoffs for semifinalist status came out in late August/early September.</p>
<p>haha yess...unfortunately, it is 202. A close friend got 202 & I got 201...I had predicted (jokingly!!) that the cutoff would be between our scores. Isn't it great that i was right?</p>
<p>Why is having commended designation important? Can you get scholarships just for being commended? Would you put that on your college application?</p>
<p>Commended really means nothing to Adcoms. Around 85% of applicants have this rank...whereas a semifinalist/finalist would be more a significant achievement</p>