National Merit Program-- chances of becoming a finalist?

Paying for College
1

<p>I scored in the 98th percentile on the PSAT and was informed at the beginning of the school year that I am a semifinalist. I completed the application shortly after. My GPA is not perfect (10.6 on 11 pt scale) and my SAT score is not phenomenal (2020). I believe that my essay was quite good. I'm in Michigan, if that helps.</p>

<p>What are the statistics for students who are typically made finalists? How many finalists actually receive money? The school I am planning to attend (University of Michigan in Ann Arbor) does not offer any money based on involvement in the program, so that $2500 would be nice. </p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

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<p>out of 16k semifinalists, 15k become finalists so the chance that you'll be one is better than 9/10</p>

<p>The SAT score is really a checkup on your PSAT score, so if your PSAT was lower or just slightly above 202, then your score should be fine.</p>

<p>About 8k out of the 15k get money</p>

3

<p>My brother has a similar question. He scored a 218 on his PSAT and was notified of his semifinalist status and completed the essay and other forms. However, his SAT score was not spectacular, only 1980. However, his ACT was a 34 and SATII's were pretty good 790 Chinese, 700 Math IIC, 670 Bio. How are his chances of getting the finalist? It is too late for him to retake the SAT and do better so he is wondering...thanks</p>

4

<p>Yes it is too late to take the SAT again since the deadline was December 2nd. The NMC is looking for a 1300 CR+M and a 51 on the writing multiple choice. Chances are w/ those SAT scores you won't get the $2500 awards unless your essays were really good. I know Umich gives no $$ to finalists but those who are attending certain schools can get full tuition etc.</p>

5

<p>my 2020 is broken down into:
680: M, CR: 640, Wr: 700 (73 mult. choice)</p>

<p>why wouldn't I get the $2500 with those scores based on the numbers you provided, TangyTart? Or were you addressing zKevin?</p>

6

<p>^^Yeah I wasn't referring to you. I think the $2500 awards are more based on EC and essays etc so you still have a chance.</p>

7

<p>ah, thanks! :)</p>