<p>Seems to read I read someplace that a student had to be in the 99th percentile on the PSAT to have a chance to make semifinalist. Is that true, or if a student was 98th percentile overall could they have a chance to make semi just compared to this kids in their own state?</p>
<p>My understanding is that the semi-finalist level is determined by a selection index score generated by the NMS organization for each state. They do not use percentages, but it roughly equates to the top 1/2 of 1% for your state.</p>
<p>The exception to this rule is if you attend a boarding school with a large out-of-state boarding population. In that case, they divide the country into a few zones to cover boarding schools in each zone. Last year, Region 1 consisting of New England and Mid-Atlantic boarding schools, had a 223 or better for semi-finalist. </p>
<p>There is tremendous variation among semi-finalist levels. The commended level is consistent for everyone.</p>
<p>I think oldest d was in the 99th percentile - missed NMSF cut-off by one point.</p>
<p>Ignatius ~ Ouch! That's exactly what I'm worried about this year.</p>
<p>None of the schools to which D intends to apply award NMSF money, so even though he's a 99%ile PSAT candidate, the award for him would be purely honorary, right?</p>
<p>There's a current thread in the SAT forum that shows what the semifinalist cutoff scores were for last year (class of 2008). Since the commended cutoff didn't change this year, I wouldn't expect much change in the semifinalist cutoffs, but there may be some small variation.</p>
<p>reasonabledad: "Ouch! That's exactly what I'm worried about this year."</p>
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<p>The wait was hard for d (exact cut-off score the previous year) and then she missed NMSF by one point because the cut-off went up that one point. It still bothers her - 4 years later. My s was comfortably NM Commended - high enough to know he was commended and low enough to know he wouldn't be a semi-finalist. Definitely better than missing sf by that one point - and the cut-off has since dropped back to the score my d made. Youngest d has the best scenario: high enough score to be certain that any cut-off won't affect her.</p>
<p>I thought there would be some indication by now. DD beat last year's cut-off by one point.</p>
<p>usually the kids aren't notified by their schools until mid Sept.</p>
<p>Previously notification has been given beginning in late August. However, someone posted in the SAT forum that they contacted NM and letters to schools will be mailed next week. "Official" notification to students is supposed to begin on September 12th, but some schools distribute to students earlier.</p>
<p>just keep your eye open here on CC.....you'll know when the info is given out. There will be some high schools who notify their NMSF's long before your kid will get the notification in the mail. Laxtaxi, there are some one-time cash awards given out, as well. I think D got $1500 or $2000 last year, even though she didn't attend one of the many schools who sent her their info for free tuition, etc.</p>
<p>One more thing to remember:
If you kid does make the cut-off, many of the "look at our school, we'll offer you a scholarship" notices are coming via email instead of paper mail these days. (Huge difference in the piles of paper D1 got in 2000 vs D2 in 2006) I strongly suspect my younger D deleted or ignored those from schools she had never heard of. Had paper copies arrived I could have at least pointed out what I knew about the school before the brochure hit the recucle bin. If your kid makes the cut-off maybe talk to him or her about saving those emails into a folder or forwarding them to you just so a second set of eyes could look for interesting offers.</p>
<p>As i understand it the percentiles that we know of now are national percentiles. The state cutoffs are based on the state's performance. The only state percentiles I have seen are based on each individual section and not on the whole test. I've also been trying to watch the numbers and compare between this year and last year. My son is also on the edge. I feel your pain but we have at this point just assumed it isn't happening but we'll take it if it does!</p>
<p>D was officially notified of NMSF status today. TX. cut-off seems to be 215. Look to the SAT/ACT forum as the cut-offs by state are being figured out. Good luck to those waiting on the news.</p>
<p>The thread for the current notification cycle: </p>
<p>So, until it's final--for those who are filling out apps, do you mention that the student is a "NM scholarship high scorer--NMF will be determined in mid-Sept?" That's what son said (got the high scorer letter). Not sure if that was disingenuous since he likely won't make the cut by just a few points (will likely be commended). But, then again, it was accurate, at the moment.</p>
<p>Note: if you are a NM semi-finalist (or finalist) your app to U of MD is free.</p>
<p>Did all SF letters go out already? Or is it done through school?</p>
<p>I'd wait and put the official status either way. The official date to announce NMSF status is next week. Will your son submit applications before then? Anyway, not putting SF or commended sounds a little "sketchy" - and for no reason. Either way it is something to be proud of - mom of two commended (previous years) and one sf.</p>
<p>D received her letter (actually packet, not letter) at school from the principal.</p>
<p>SF notifications are made through the school (unless the student is homeschooled).</p>
<p>I am a semifinalist from California. How hard is it to get that $1000 scholarship? aka make it to finalist position and then win?</p>