<p>I was wondering whether being a National Merit Semifinalist/Finalist really helps for college admissions. Does it?</p>
<p>Also, can anyone give me an educated guess as to if a 218 in Illinois would be probably considered a Semifinalist or not?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>clearly it helps.</p>
<p>1)sets you apart from other people who did not get it.
2)probably means you'll get good SATs</p>
<p>kind of an obvious question, no?</p>
<p>I have no idea about the cutoff for Illinois, sorry.</p>
<p>yeah i know...but i mean do they consider it an important accomplishment?</p>
<p>or do the mainly just look at your actual SAT score?</p>
<p>Like someone with say</p>
<p>National Merit 220
SAT 2200</p>
<p>is that better than someone with say
PSAT 200 (not national merit)
SAT 2220</p>
<p>National Merit Semifinalist is just another way of saying you do well on the SAT. Its not really an important accomplishment because 1) they can tell the say thing just by looking at your SAT score 2) a lot of people applying to the top schools are National Merit, so it doesn't distinguish you that much 3)its possible to be unlucky one day and you don't do well on the PSAT even though usually do well on standardized tests, in which case they'll just look at your other test scores. 4) a 220 in one state may get you National Merit, whereas in another state it may not, so the policy is unfair for kids with high scores in states with better students. My point is, top colleges don't care too much about National Merit. However, National Merit does look good at some lower end schools that are trying to boost their rankings. They may give you big scholarships for being National Merit.
Also, 218 should be good for Illinois. Look at the cutoff scores from last year on the SAT board.</p>
<p>it means more if you are applying to a state school.</p>
<p>Possibly, but need to perform well on the regular SATs. I believe someone in our school got national merit commended student (in nj), and their SAT scores were only in the 1600-1700 range.</p>
<p>It won't overcome mediocre grades or test scores, but, sure it will help -- some places more than others.</p>
<p>Most semifinalists become finalists. You will get offers for much reduced tuition, even free rides from some places. Some other schools will offer some merit money.</p>
<p>in ivies and upper level schools, it doesnt do much for you. anywhere else should give you a substantial boost</p>
<p>You're right about Ivies, Neviar. However, as for others, I guess it depends on what you mean by upper level. </p>
<p>I'd consider Carleton to be a highly ranked LAC and they offer aid based on NMS status Carleton</a> College: Admissions: Carleton Merit Scholars</p>
<p>gets you 2,500 dollars</p>