<p>Ok, so basically even if you get a perfect score on the PSAT, you can't become a finalist winner?</p>
<p>The finalists are chosen for their gpa, and essay?</p>
<p>That wouldn't make sense though if you earned a 238-240?</p>
<p>can someone please inform me?</p>
<p>The finalist status depends more than just on PSAT score. They consider your SAT score, GPA, and essays. If your SAT is comparable to your PSAT (which is perfect, presumably) and your GPA is good, then there is a large chance that you will be a finalist.</p>
<p>How can they look at your SAT score, if you take the PSAT first?
No comprehendo.
I haven't taken the SAT yet.</p>
<p>PSAT cutoffs for NMSF are determined once you get your PSAT scores. You'll be applying for Finalist status senior year, after you have taken the SAT.</p>
<p>Oh, the process is way too long. How good does being a finalist look on your app?</p>
<p>Obviously it looks really good, a two year old would know that.</p>
<p>Okay:</p>
<p>PSAT was in Oct.</p>
<p>Received scores in Dec.</p>
<p>Notified in April of commended/semi-finalist status, although not which one.</p>
<p>In the early fall, NMSF will be notified and then can begin the application process for NMF. NMF status will be partly based on SAT scores; SAT scores must confirm the PSAT score. If you made a 240 on the PSAT and can't get an SAT score above 1500 - PROBLEM. (Hmmm, wonder if you can superscore?) The hs sponsors you, I believe, with a recommendation and by submitting grades and ecs. An essay is required also.</p>
<p>Once the PSAT scores came in, mail started coming from colleges. A lot of the mail referred to the PSAT score and NMF, so the universities are on top of the scores. Good colleges too - several letters from Yale, NYU mentioned special classes, Tx. A&M offered to pay travel fare for a visit, ... so yes, NM is a GOOD thing.</p>
<p>it depends on where your parents work. </p>
<p>my brother scored extremely high years ago (156/160 or close to it)...but wasn't able to receive many awards because of that</p>
<p>But commended scores get nothing?</p>
<p>I received the letter to continue in the NM process, but I have no chance of making NMF.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>Commended scores get nothing :P. </p>
<p>Brother and sister were NM Commended - and got to put that info on college apps. I am sure it didn't HURT.</p>
<p>Anon-Person-1:</p>
<p>"it depends on where your parents work. </p>
<p>my brother scored extremely high years ago (156/160 or close to it)...but wasn't able to receive many awards because of that"</p>
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<p>Many colleges award NM merit scholarships, regardless of whether the NM Corporation itself gives any money. (Ex. Rice awards $1000 dollars (semester? year?) to NMF and some universities much more.) Totally independent of whether a parent is employed by a NM sponsor corporation</p>
<p>There is tons of good information at this web site. National</a> Merit Scholarship Corporation
Also, there are many threads already out there about this topic! I am always amazed by people asking for help before seeking it out themselves.</p>
<p>What happens if you miss the PSAT junior year?
It is only given on that 1 date. Are you out of the running for NMF forever? How bad is that?</p>
<p>There is at least one alternate test date in November -- if you're speaking hypothetically, you could talk to the administration about making it up then (in the worst case, you'd have to travel a bit to get to a school that administers it.) If this happened to you last year, you're SOL.</p>
<p>I did not know about the alternate date, thanks Poseur.
I will look into that option.</p>