<p>I was told to look for an asterisk by your PSAT index. If you have an asterisk, it means that you are not in ( I do not know whether that means you are not in Semi or commended).</p>
<p>For these ppl who was already get in the semifinalist, can you verify if this is true?</p>
<p>Hi, PeteSAT, why California waits until Fall? Thanks.</p>
<p>No one hears whether they're just Commended or Semi Finalist until the fall. The 202 cut-off just indicates you're in the pool...one of the top 50,000 or so.</p>
<p>I guess it takes the National Merit folks a bit of time to do the number crunching...or maybe they like to watch kids sweat.</p>
<p>I think the asterisk means you're not qualified for some reason...even if you scored above the 202 cut-off. There are some requirements that you have to meet, though I'm not sure what they are exactly. The <a href="http://www.nationalmerit.org%5B/url%5D">www.nationalmerit.org</a> site has more info...</p>
<p>If you are not a junior, or do not meet other qualifications for consideration in the National Merit program, then there will be an asterisk next to your score. My daughter took the PSAT last year as a sophomore - there was an asterisk. This year, no asterisk.</p>
<p>so.. what are the letters they are talking about???</p>
<p>From Dimitry_Y above, he said
"I got a letter, and i'm bummed because i know i didn't get semi: i got 217, I'm in NJ, and I had hoped that the SI would go down this year. Apparently, it won't. "</p>
<p>Isn't that means Dimitry_Y already know he is "NOT" in semi..I am confused..</p>
<p>I don't think he actually knows, perhaps he's confused. And for the letter thing, I'm not worried - I have a 233, and no letter.</p>
<p>I think Dimitry was probably extrapolating: Last year's NJ cut-off was 218 (I think) and since the trend is that the cut-off goes up, he's assuming that he won't get it...</p>
<p>well i'm all for the idea that the NM people are a bunch of meanies :D who want to watch us squirm.....i got the letter, too.</p>
<p>my stats are 220, 99th percentile....should have been higher but i can't think outside the proverbial box and panicked on that question with the red and green and blue squares (stupid one to miss, i know). here's my question: if the selection indices are supposed to skyrocket, how much do you think Indiana's will change? Last year it was 211 or something low like that bc we are stupid compared to some of you all out on the East Coast.</p>
<p>I hope I'm safe!!!</p>
<p>What letter? The letter tells you your PSAT index and percentiles?</p>
<p>Erinishorsecrazy, </p>
<p>I seriously doubt you have anything to worry about. I don't know all the numbers, but you'll probably make the cut-off for just about everywhere. There's virtually no chance Indiana's scores could go up more than a point or two...</p>
<p>And desperate, the letter may or may not tell you your index and percentiles (I haven't seen one in a while), but your PSAT score report does...</p>
<p>this isnt exactly on-topic, but it sounds like a good place to ask so...</p>
<p>what determines which semi-finalists become finalists?</p>
<p>According to the National Merit website:</p>
<p>Semifinalists</p>
<p>In early September, about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. To ensure that academically able young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, Semifinalists are designated on a state representational basis. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. NMSC provides scholarship application materials to Semifinalists through their high schools. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements explained in the materials provided to each Semifinalist. Click here to learn about requirements for becoming a Finalist in the 2005 National Merit® Scholarship Program. (Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or above is required.)</p>
<p>Finalists</p>
<p>In February, some 15,000 Semifinalists are notified by mail at their home addresses that they have advanced to Finalist standing. High school principals are notified and provided with a certificate to present to each Finalist.</p>
<p>Winner Selection</p>
<p>All winners of Merit Scholarship® awards (Merit Scholar® designees) are chosen from the Finalist group, based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishmentswithout regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. A variety of information is available for NMSC selectors to evaluatethe Finalist's academic record, information about the school's curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, school official's written recommendation, information about the student's activities and leadership, and the Finalist's own essay.</p>
<p>Haha... basically if you continued your level of preformance. They want to see that you have a good grade report, they want to see that you have a SAT score that shows the PSAT wasnt a total fluke, and they want an essay... I think that was all (Anything i missed?).</p>
<p>15,000 out of 16,000 people make it so I dont think you have to worry about it that much. The hard work is making it to Semi, which it seems like many people did. Nice!</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Do you have to take the new SAT to verify the PSAT score? Can you use the old SAT plus writing?</p>
<p>I think you can even use just your Old SAT score. We shall find out though in September. </p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>This is such crap, I got a 223 and live in Maryland. Last year's cutoff for MD was 222. I have been consistently screwed over in life. It's a good think I was born black, or else I would be the most unfortunate person on the face of the earth. Do you think that the cutoff for Maryland is likely to increase?</p>
<p>Sry, I think that the cutoff will increase cause last yaer's commended was 201 (?) and this year (if what they say is true) will increase. So it stands to reason that the cutoffs will increase as well.</p>
<p>I know, I'm 221, which was NJ's index for last year. I really hope I make it! Otherwise that will stink.</p>
<p>Woah... There is like a 20 point difference between the semifinalist cut offs of states lol. Some stats are like at 201, while others are in the 220s :(.</p>
<p>I'm really not trying to be mean, but this whole business of differentiated semifinalist cutoffs is because some parts of the country just suck at schooling their kids, and the kids are already not that bright. Just look at Bush being re-elected in 2004. Despite the fact that a much more educated portion of the country in the Northeast, which has traditionally had higher National Merit Semifinalist cutoffs, didn't want him back, the less intelligent parts of the country were able to keep him in office.</p>
<p>Mine is right in the middle, 216 I think. :-/. 222 is just insane.</p>