<p>Is it possible to obtain finalist status without qualifying as a semifinalist? Our school lists 26 semifinalists yet 27 finalists in the NMSC last year. Is this merely a typo?</p>
<p>Yes. You cannot be a finalist without being a semi-finalist first. The semi-finalist round is what cuts based on PSAT scores. No one can not qualify based on PSAT and then gain finalist status.</p>
<p>Could they be referring to different years of students? Finalist status is available later than semi-finalist status. So perhaps the Class of '10 had 27 F, while the Class of '11 had 26 SF?</p>
<p>I thinks sometimes they add in the National Achievement Finalists and that changes the numbers.</p>
<p>Or they may be someone graduating a year early whose number is now rolled in</p>