<p>Hey, I just got my PSAT score, which was a 209. I live in Nebraska where the cutoff score last year was a 206 (ya I know...we are kinda the dumb state). However, I have started reading these boards, and people seem to believe that the cutoff scores are probably going to rise somewhat nationally because the average PSAT score rose like a point. However, are my odds still decent for semifinialist...i kinda invested alot of time in the PSAT this summer (I had like a 160 sophomore year), so I'd really appreciate any feed back on the "predicted national trends" in cutoff scores.</p>
<p>You most likely will be named a semi-finalist. A three point rise in a year is unlikely. Finalist seems much more difficult this year than last. 4 grades of B- or lower on a report card appears to knock you out of contention. Just one difficult course could do that. Keep your grades up. You will know the cut-off scores at the beginning of the next school year. Congratulations.</p>
<p>Congratulations - I expect you are "safe".</p>
<p>what the people above me said. you also have to remember that the class of 09 is considered by some as the most competitive ever, so while the class of '10 may be strong as well, i doubt that a 3 point rise would happen.</p>
<p>Every class is considered the most competitive ever, so don't go by that (I don't see SAT scores going up every year). Still, it is very usual for the cutoff to go up 3 points. Don't worry about having a 209 vs other people having 230s. Schools don't get your score, just your status, so all semifinalists/finalists look the same score wise. Congratulations, you should get some merit money.</p>
<p>I was wondering the same thing, cuz i also took the psat this year. I got a 213 but I'm actually living in China now, altho I'm a US citizen. Is there a different cutoff point for students living outside the USA?</p>
<p>No, J'adoube, Class of 09 truly is one of the most competitive classes. Not just because of brains, but population wise we are the largest class to come through. So there are so many more people going for a lot fewer spots.</p>
<p>And Oceanangel, I'm not sure exactly what the system will be for you. I live in Missouri, but I attend a private boarding school there, so instead of my score going against other Missouri scores, I was against other boarding schools from this region, making it a bit harder. They might then have an international section that you woudl be going against.</p>
<p>Academically and numerically are two different things. Your competition has been the same since you were in first grade. By this time you should know where you stand among your peers. </p>
<p>oceanangel: check if you qualify as per state of residence when you took the test. If you qualify as International, that's not good because the cutoff for International is around 221.</p>
<p>Correction: In previous post I meant "unusual" not usual.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for all the feedback guys! I really appreciate all the help = D.</p>
<p>Sorry guys, I have one other question thts prbly dumb...but id appreciate any feedback. Ya.... like I said the cut off score in NE was a 206 last year and no one in our school got NMSF. However, this year I know of at least 3 kids who scored over a 209. While class of 2010 at my school has way more "smart kids" than did the class of 09, does this mean that the cutoff could significantly raise in NE? </p>
<p>Thanks again for all the help!
Robbie</p>
<p>Highly unlikely that it will go up by 3 points.</p>