<p>I could use some help from any parent (or student) that has info that could help me understand the NMF selection process. My son scored a 221 on his PSAT last fall and he took the SAT (2130) this past spring. I know that the SAT score has to substantiate the PSAT score, but to what degree? His math and reading scores were nearly identical (M 80/790, R 70/700) but his writing scores were off a bit (W 70/640). </p>
<p>Thoughts regarding if this SAT score is good enough or should he retake in the fall? BTW, the last cutoff for NMF in our state was 210.</p>
<p>Let us see, if I recall correctly about 16,000 become semifinalist, 15,000 become finalist and about 8,000 get some money. It is my recollection that 1,000 that are dropped off are either due to very low SAT scores or have deciplanry problems. 2130 (1420) is a good score. I know few kids who had become finalist with SAT score in 1400's or bit less than that.</p>
<p>the SAT score is fine. There are several threads on CC showing how PSAT scores fail as predictions of SAT scores, ESPECIALLY on the writing section, because the grammar tested is different and there is no essay. Look through some threads and you will see that your son's discrepancy is in fact one of the smaller ones. I for one increased 11 points on my PSAT from soph to junior year, then increased 12 more points when I took the SAT for the first time in the spring of junior year.</p>
<p>He of course will be a semifinalist, but remember: becoming a finalist involves more than test scores. You have to submit an application with essays and extracurricular activities. Good luck to your son.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your son's great PSAT and SAT scores. If the last cutoff for NMF was 210, he should definitely make it this year. So prepare to write an essay!</p>
<p>For most colleges, a score of 2180 is excellent. But I would encourage your son to retake the SAT, unless he needs to take SATIIs and has no room for a retake. He has nothing to lose, except a long Saturday. His scores of 790 in math will keep, and he can boost his other scores, especially the 640. He should try to figure out what he did right and what he did wrong (use the Xiggi method) and take it from there.</p>
<p>Becoming a finalist is a cakewalk. The only way you don't become a finalist is if you completely blow the SATs (think 500s) and don't submit the paperwork at all. I'm not convinced they even look at the essay. My son turned in his paperwork over a month late and wrote a two-paragraph essay and still made it to NMF.</p>
<p>I agree with previous posters who said your son's SAT scores are fine, better than fine. I called College Board on an unrelated matter a few weeks ago, and while I had them on the phone I asked your question. I forgot what the specific answer was, but I remember that the SAT score needed on the M and CR to continue on as NMF was surprisingly low (W doesn't count yet). </p>
<p>But as far as your son's taking the SAT again, I don't think he should bother unless he really really wants to. (I think you need to be psyched to do well on this endurance test.) First of all, most colleges are not yet counting the writing section. It's just too new. Your son's 1490 on the CR and M are excellent. And the 640 in writing is still far above average.</p>
<p>My feeling is, test scores are just one part of the application. Essays/recs, the GPA, and ECs are also important. Why take time prepping for the SAT again when other aspects of the application need attention?</p>
<p>An exception would be if your son wants HYP and has the other qualifications, including great scores on multiple SATIIs, and starts his essays early enough to spend adequate time on them. In that case, raising the CR would help him. Just my opinion!</p>
<p>A kid with those scores is likely to be applying to some of the schools that are definitely are possibly going to count the writing. There's an online list of colleges which lists which ones will be looking at the writing section, which ones won't and which one's haven't decided for sure. My son is looking at techie schools like MIT and Caltech, one of which is looking at writing and one of which isn't. There were enough school on his list that are looking at it - that I think it's worth trying one more time to up the writing score. He got an 800 on the PSAT writing and 690 on the SAT. So if nothing else you should be glad your son's drop wasn't even worse!</p>
<p>Scores shouldn't hurt him in becoming a finalist. Don't know if his lower verbal scores will hurt in competing for award money. </p>
<p>As a reference point, DD was a 2005-6 NMF and received a one-time $2500 award. Her PSAT was 222 and SAT was 2250 (R-770/M-720/W-760), with 3 high 700 SAT IIs and 5-AP 5s, as well as being 1/422 in her HS class.</p>
<p>Students can also fail to make finalist due to one low grade. I know a boy who had a D in pre-calc one semester as a sophomore and wasn't named as a finalist. Everything else looked good. He even appealed the decision but they would not budge.</p>