@droppedit, it’s my understanding that NMSC doesn’t release any NMSF data to colleges and especially not for marketing purposes.
Colleges buy data from College Board, but based on ranges and interest questions (e.g. females interested in STEM who scored over 1450 on the PSAT, or any number of such combinations).
@RMNiMiTz letters were mailed to schools 8/22 (bulk mail) go ask your principal and or GC if they got it today. Please let us know if you made it or not and what your SI score is.
Erin’s Dad, Google is a wonderful thing, but your reference is from last year.
Reference my earlier question, I called NMSC and they confirmed that only the Semi Finalist notifications went out this week. The Commended letters will go out in a separate mailing.
We are in Missouri and our Guidance Counselor said she’d let us know as soon as she heard anything (and copied our principal asking him to be on the lookout). So I will post as soon as I hear anything.
But wait…there is an essay?! Ugh. It’s been months since we looked over all the stuff that needs to be done if he qualifies. I didn’t remember the essay. He has a qualifying SAT score and over a 4.0, responsible and involved at school…so he’s good there. He’s a decent writer, but I can’t see him spending hours on an essay. How long is it, and do you have to knock it out of the park to make it through? Thanks!
@collegework it’s not too long and is usually a pretty generic prompt, so your S can probably tweak a Common App or other application essay to fit. I don’t think the essay carries much weight for NMF consideration (out of 16k NMSF, 15k become NMF) but the essay probably comes into play much more for the NMSC-awarded scholarships.
My S is set on UT Dallas which has an automatic nearly-full-ride for NMF so if he makes NMSF he will not be especially concerned about writing an amazing essay. He’ll most likely cobble together something serviceable and call it a day.
Recent essay question:
To help the reviewers get to know you, describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you. Use your own words and limit your response to the space provided.
About 500-600 words. Often kids can repurpose a college application essay.
About 15k of the 16k semi-finalists make finalist status. Not sure they are expecting Shakespeare in terms of the essay. Our school has never had a SF who didn’t become a finalist.
@collegework the essay won’t disqualify you unless it’s horrible, rude or snarky. My D was able to rework an essay she used for her college application.
Thank you all so much with info about the essay. Very helpful and I’m feeling relieved!
Ok you ledge dwellers, I am doing my part here in PA - I sent an email to my daughter’s GC asking her how and when our high school informs nmsf, that I follow an online thread on this topic (of course I do), and the I know the info. was sent from nmsc to high schools on Tuesday. And furthermore, we need to schedule our trip to Alabama asap so that my daughter knows what the heck she’s doing before any Nov. 1 deadlines creep up for other schools’ early decision dates!! Don’t worry, the GC already knows I am crazy with college admissions stuff 
I wish my D wasn’t on the bubble!!! I keep thinking about that Golden Ticket!
@Winky1 I sent a polite inquiry to our GC too but haven’t heard back from her yet.
Now this is depressing…
https://mailsmartlogistics.com/long-bulk-mail-take/
I can’t bring myself to bug the GC here until things settle down after the hurricane passes. My specific area doesn’t appear to be at high risk for damaging winds or power outages, just a lot of rain and some flooded roads. I got today’s informed delivery message already, which I don’t think they send until the mail truck is being loaded. So if mail is being delivered to my house then the school will receive it too (it’s only about a mile away and not in a flood-prone area). Still I’m sure once school reopens the GCs will need some time to get back to normal and will likely-and rightly- prioritize things like transcripts and recommendations for college applications. With some unexpected days off school I bet plenty of seniors will get some applications done and will need GC help for the school pieces. I suspect I’ll find out my S’s status via crowdsourcing at least several days before the GCs notify NMSFs.
@3scoutsmom, that sure is depressing. And that’s just the normal bulk delivery schedule; who knows how it is impacted by major weather.
And this year’s dates can be inferred from last year’s.
Does anyone know when the cutoffs for the PSAT/National Merit Finalist scores come out?
ApplyTexas asks whether you are a semi-finalist or not, and because I am on the edge, I really don’t know.
Thank you to all the helpful folks who have offered to report back on here, and to those who have been assertive with the GC contact. Special shout out to @Winky1 for being our PA Henchman. 
Well, the text above the map on the linked page is pretty depressing. But if you look at the map and then read the text below it, it sounds better. It shows that mail coming from the DC area reaches most places within the eastern 1/3 of the country within 6 days, and the rest of the continental US within 9 days. Not too bad. Actually these are standards, but it says they meet the standards 90% of the time (the other 10% being times when there is a hurricane, I guess!). But it’s coming from Illinois, right? So that’s good that it’s pretty centrally located.
Wishful thinking for today still though! Good luck to all.
Anyone know if NM mailed the notices out on a Tues last year? If so, we are probably best to assume Sat-Mon as mentioned before.