<p>Yes, it is sometimes possible to make NMSF with a 98%--but only if you are from a low scoring state.</p>
<p>Thanks, ignatius. Actually, son has already applied to about 5 schools (at end of Aug/beginning of Sept) before we heard the cut-off scores had started coming out. So, that's what he did ('high scorer' was the only documented designation he had from NMF, at that point). He'll put in commended now, I guess (he's over 200, but not likely up to semi).</p>