<p>cowpernia, the NM looks at the SAT scores to see if they 'back up' the scores on the PSAT. You must also submit an essay and a recommendation from your GC and they look at your GPA. Most semifinalists become finalists. I think they are just looking to see that there aren't any major glitches in your record. Since colleges give scholarships to finalists, the NM Board needs to make sure that they aren't giving out names of students who 'just' scored well on the PSAT and don't have other qualifications.</p>