<p>My scores came back today with a 225 :S so I'm not really sure if I'll make a finalist for the NMS. Even if I do, what kind of requirements are colleges and the state looking at for scholarship winners? I imagine they'll look at the SAT (2340, so feeling confident there), but what else, since I got a few B's along the way in high school?</p>
<p>Your SAT is more than fine.</p>
<p>A few B’s are fine as well.</p>
<p>What state are you in? The NMSF cutoff is by state.</p>
<p>Just keep your nose clean and do the NMSF paperwork (if you make NMSF), send your SAT to NMCorp, and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Encendi…You are almost certain to make NMSF status with a score of 225. As Mom2CK says, the qualifying cutoff scores vary from state to state, but I believe that historically the highest qualifying cutoff for any state has been 223 so you should be fine.</p>
<p>A few B’s etc. on your transcript will not prevent you from achieving Finalist status. As long as you (and your HS) complete the application when it arrives at your school (in Fall of your Senior year), send your SAT score to NMSC, and there are no disciplinary issues in your HS career you should be all set.</p>
<p>Congrats on your GREAT PSAT and SAT scores, and good luck on your college search!!</p>
<p>Sounds great! But I’m wondering, are there any PSAT cutoff scores for finalists/scholarships? Or is it just for semi-finalist status?</p>
<p>Encendi…Once you make Semifinalist, your PSAT score doesn’t matter anymore. It only qualifies you (on the state by state basis) for NMSF status. After that, the only other test score required to reach Finalist status is a “qualifying” SAT score (historically around the 2000 mark). Basically, NMSC is looking for confirmation that your PSAT score wasn’t a fluke. Semifinalists need to have taken the SAT anywhere between October of their sophomore year and December of their senior year and received at or above the “qualifying” level. I think the score was around 1960 last year, so you’ll most often see a score of 2000 mentioned just to be safe. Your 2340 FAR exceeds what would be required, so all you’ll need to do is send the score electronically to NMSC (code #0085) as part of your Semifinalist package next fall.</p>
<p>Just to further clarify…</p>
<p>your SAT doesn’t need to match or exceed your PSAT. Even if you scored a 239 PSAT, if you score about a 2000 on the SAT, that’s fine.</p>
<p>Last year, the minimum SAT was 1960…it’s probably close to that this year.</p>
<p>The score is made up of M…CR…and just PART of the W score. You look at the W subscore. Take the multiple choice subscore…multiply by 10…and add to M + CR.</p>
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<p>We (HS juniors) won’t have to worry about the paperwork until next year, right?</p>
<p>No. The paperwork is due October of your senior year. Just stay out of trouble.</p>
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<p>Couldn’t we fill out the paperwork now then?</p>
<p>You won’t be GIVEN the paperwork until Sept of senior year. You won’t be named a NMSF until then. There’s no paperwork to give you at THIS point.</p>
<p>M2CK - Thanks for the explanation of SAT grades. My son just got back PSAT & SAT scores. Highly likely his PSAT of 223 will qualify him, but he was concerned his 2100 SAT would hurt. His lower SAT was due to essay score, so good to know what NM looks at excludes that. Now his only concern will be getting his grades up after a bad 1st semester this year.</p>
<p>My daughter made a 210 PSAT. We are in Alabama. I was just wondering if the cutoffs are available now or are they posted at a later date? I know we are close to the cutoff but I would love to know the exact number! She has a 4.2 GPA.</p>
<p>NewbieCollegeMom, Alabama’s score for this year’s seniors is 211. That’s up 1 point from last year and 2 from the year before. This year’s cutoffs for all states were more volatile than usual. </p>
<p>Your daughter may have a chance, but if you’re looking specifically for scholarships, I would have her take the SAT and ACT this year, so you can begin to look at schools where she will qualify for merit aid not related to NMF.</p>
<p>This link is for class of 2012.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/13227013-post773.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/13227013-post773.html</a></p>
<p>I’m super scared as well. 213 (made stupid math mistakes, got almost no sleep the night before, AUGH!) in AL, class of '13. Hope I make it; I could use a full ride someplace…</p>
<p>It will be a long wait until I get my letter (Commended or NMSF), that’s for certain…</p>
<p>My GPA is ~4.23 w, 3.98 uw (school only offers honors, not AP). I have quite a few awards and such. I’m guessing that once I’m past the SF hurdle (hopefully!), I’m on safe ground for the Finalist award… right?</p>
<p>Leisha12 – </p>
<p>Assuming you qualify as a NMSF, you’ll need a “confirming” SAT score (see thread above) to advance from NMSF to NMF. Take the test sometime this calendar year and send the NMSC your score when you do.</p>
<p>Leisha…you’re probably fine for Alabama. I don’t think AL cutoff has ever been 214. It rose to 212 once or twice, but usually is around 210.</p>
<p>You need to sign up for the SAT and have the score sent to NMCorp code 0085.</p>
<p>As long as you get a decent SAT score and send it to NMCorp, have good grades, fill out the NMSF paperwork properly, and aren’t a discipline problem at school, you’ll be fine for finallist.</p>
<p>Leisha - consider looking into applying to the University of Mississippi next year and their Honors College. Semifinalists get a very competitive scholarship package that covers out of state tuition and housing. Finalists receive additional scholarship money. You would likely be competitive for other departmental or Foundation awards as well. Check out the Honors College [The</a> Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College - The University of Mississippi - Ole Miss - Oxford, MS](<a href=“http://www.honors.olemiss.edu%5DThe”>http://www.honors.olemiss.edu)</p>