<p>I just got my PSAT scores back today, and I got a 237.
I was wondering how far this would take me in terms of the National Merit Scholarship.
I live in NJ, and I got a 2400 on my SATs, too, if that's relevant.</p>
<p>You are awesome. A 237 is absolutely wonderful (10 points better than me!) You most definitely qualified to become a semifinalist. Afterwards there is an intensive application process.</p>
<p>
The NMS finalist application process really isn’t all that “intensive.” The student has to do very little to stay in the running for NMS scholarship consideration; everything that the student must submit can be thrown together in an afternoon. The application process consists of submitting a recommendation letter (by teacher), personal statement (by the student), and transcript (by the student’s HS guidance counselor). In addition to the essay(s), the student has to prove that the PSAT score wasn’t a fluke by scoring high enough on the real SAT (2000+?). If the student comes from a state with a high PSAT score cut-off (220+), surpassing the mark on the SAT is ridiculously easy.</p>
<p>The odds aren’t bad for a NMS semifinalist getting some sort of scholarship. 15,000 out of 16,000 semifinalists are designated as finalists…and 8,000 of those 15,000 will receive one of three types of scholarships: (1) National Merit $2500 scholarship, (2) corporate-sponsored scholarship, and (3) college-sponsored scholarship.</p>
<p>The funny thing is that many NMS finalists end up attending top-tier schools which offer need-based financial aid. This can negate the economic advantage of winning the NMS scholarship since some financial aid offices label the NMS money as an “outside award” and decrease the offered grant amount. In the end, the student’s out-of-pocket cost for college isn’t affected at all. At least that’s how it worked at my alma mater…</p>
<p>Hi, I got a 218 in NJ, and haven’t taken the SATs yet. I know a score of 221+ on the PSATs is needed for NMSQT Merit Scholarship, so I do have like a zilch chance of becoming one?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>