national merit finalist.

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>what are the deciding factors between commended and semi-finalist?</p>

<p>what about the factors between semi-finalist and finalist?</p>

<p>thanks!</p>

2

<p>Hi ingette,</p>

<p>Let me explain this convoluted system.</p>

<p>The commended depends on a nationwide cut-off score, usually determined by percentile. As far as I know, the commended cutoff is generally around 200-205 (last year it was 200). Semifinalist distinction, on the other hand, depends on your STATE cutoff score. This can vary pretty widely from state to state; you can search the internet for a list of past years' cutoff scores.</p>

<p>Nearly every semifinalist who fills out the application to be a finalist will be a finalist, unless it turns out their grades/SAT scores are horrendous and the PSAT was a fluke. Finalist status allows you to get money at schools that recognize the National Merit Scholarship.</p>

<p>Hope this answered your question.</p>

<p>Richard</p>

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<p>yes, that clears it up! thanks so much!</p>

4

<p>How do you find out if you got commended?</p>

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<p>your school should notify in the near future. if your PSAT score was over a 200, but you didn't get the semifinalist packet from your school, then you are commended.</p>

6

<p>I got a 201... so am I definitely commended, or is that too close?</p>

7

<p>You should be Commended unless you're in a state where 201 qualifies as NMSF. If you are in MA, the NMSF qualifying score was 221.</p>

<p>If you are either Commended or a NMSF, you should have been identified as a NM high-scorer last spring.</p>

<p>See <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1061009130-post570.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1061009130-post570.html&lt;/a> for this year's qualifying scores.</p>

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<p>So I would have already been notified if I had gotten anything, right?</p>

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<p>yeah a 201 in MA is commended</p>

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<p>Hmmm... I haven't received any notification of this. I know it's not a big deal or anything, I'd just like to know</p>

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<p>I got commended :)</p>

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<p>Congratulations!</p>

13

<p>Anyone have experience with being denied Finalist status for any reason other than low grades/SAT scores or not filling out the form? </p>

<p>I made a pretty blatant typo in my (horribly-written) essay, lol... I think they'll forgive me but I don't want them to be like "PSH she CLEARLY doesn't care about NMSC~! DENIED!"</p>

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<p>"Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit® Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses."</p>

<p>Can anyone elaborate on these scholarships? Do they come to me, or do I go to them? Lol.</p>