National Merit?

Paying for College
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>What chance do you think I would have to be a National Merit Finalist with a PSAT of 223 and SAT of 2400? (Assuming excellent recommendations, coursework, and essay)</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>soadquake, best wishes! See the following Threads:
PSAT Scores for National Merit Semifinalists 2009 (H.S. Class of 2010)
National Merit Scholarship? PSAT taken October 2008
National Merit: College Plans Reporting Service
How to Use National Merit Corp. College Plans Reporting Service?
National Merit cutoff for 2010 class
Last year thread (closed): PSAT Cutoff Scores for 2008 National Merit Semifinalists (H.S. '09)</p>

3

<p>Check your state for last years cut off point - States vary.
It doesn’t usually change more than 3 points either way each year - If you’re within the parameters with your PSAT score (only that counts) - you will be a NMF.
My GS is from PA and he will be a NMF
Good Luck!</p>

4

<p>To be complete, if you hit the cutoff you will be NMSF. To make NMF your grades will need to be in line with your scores (no 2.0) and will need to file paperwork including recommendations from your school. If that all goes well, then you will be NMF.</p>

5

<p>15k out of 16k become finalists. Only about 3 to 3.5k get the actual $2.5k scholarship. Most money comes from the schools themselves (even $1k/year=$4k).</p>

6

<p>Eight thousand get the scholarship.</p>

7

<p>Thanks for the information! So… are my chances looking good?</p>

8

<p>You should get NMF. If you need a scholarship for college, check out this thread…</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/136920-full-rides-national-merit-finalists-scholars.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/136920-full-rides-national-merit-finalists-scholars.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

9

<p>Once you’re a semifinalist, your PSAT doesn’t matter. Since your SATs are also good, all you need is everything else to be decent and you’re set. However, with a 2400, National Merit probably won’t matter much. You can probably get a full ride at many schools based on your strength as an applicant, and you have a good shot at top schools that give tons of financial aid.</p>