<p>So, i just got my psat scores back.... i got a 224. I know for a fact that the cutoff's never been higher than a 223... but, my question is this: if i qualify for nmsf, what does one need to get to nmf? my sat score is a 2190 (planning to retake) and my grades are all A's, but I might be looking at one B this semester. And, I have no behavioral issues :D would I qualify for nmsf and then nmf?</p>
<p>you probably will. as long as your sat score is above 1960, you don’t have any C’s, and you write a decent essay, you’ll get in. Keep in mind that 15,000 out of 16,000 people go from semifinalist to finalist.</p>
<p>Yes, just make sure you have your SAT scores sent to NMSC and get your paperwork in on time.</p>
<p>So (I had the same question) I have to specifically send my scores to NMSC? I know my mom probably knows what to do because my brother was a NMF, but I just want to be sure.</p>
<p>Yes, you will be fine if you do your essay and keep out of trouble. 
The way it works is that your school (guidance counselor or principal) will receive notification in late August of who the NMSFs are from your school. They are supposed to notify you, and give you the information you need to log on and complete your application for NMF. Which mostly consists of writing the essay. Once you submit that (in October), your guidance counselor than has a school piece to submit.</p>
<p>NMSC will tell you at that time how to submit your scores. Don’t bother to send them now (as you have to pay just like with every other score if you don’t use your freebies!). You have some time after October (a couple of months, they will tell you the date) to get your scores to them. That gives people who want to take the SAT that fall (or take it again) a chance to do that and get scores in.</p>
<p>Here is a forum with a lot more info. </p>
<p>[National</a> Merit Scholarships - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/]National”>National Merit Scholarships - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>Start watching out there in early Sept, and you should be able to see a thread where cutoff scores are being discussed. You can then figure out if you made it or not. That way if your school misses the boat, at that time you can talk to your guidance counselor. Every year that happens to a few students, but NMSC still takes there stuff if it is a little late because the school messed up. And some schools just take their sweet time about telling the students (which I think is not good, as then the essay timeframe is short). But most everyone gets it done anyway.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I’m curious, will a C end chances of National Merit? Even if it’s an AP/Honors course? My grades are mostly mid to high As but I’m struggling a lot in math this year and might end up with a high C or low B… (the teacher is awful and most people have uncharacteristically poor grades in the class, not to mention that math isn’t my strong suit). If this happens, my chances be gone? I’ve always heard that if you turn in the application, you get become a NMF, but maybe that’s not true?</p>
<p>No, a C won’t ruin your chance. They want to see a decent GPA, but they rely more on your school counselor’s report, because they know different schools grade differently.</p>
<p>Thanks for the great info CTSScoutmom!</p>