Retake SAT for ONLY National Merit?

<p>I have a 229 on the PSAT, which, in Washington, is enough to get me to semi-finalist (and finalist). The problem is, somewhere along the line we have to submit our SAT scores. I have a 2260 right now, and never thought about retaking it because of a perfect ACT score, but since I found out about NM I've been worrying. My EC's, school leadership, etc. are all above par for national merit scholars, but I'm torn as to whether or not to take the SATs again. Somebody please help?</p>

<p>It's not worth it. I had a 2400, and still didn't get a national merit scholarship. I think that they just ask for SAT scores to make sure your PSAT was not a fluke.</p>

<p>Wow svalbardlutefisk! (long name) I can't imagine why you wouldn't qualify..</p>

<p>In any case, does my SAT prove my PSAT was a fluke?</p>

<p>I think you would just add a 0 to your PSAT score, so it looks like your PSAT and SAT are practically the same - I wouldn't bother retaking it.</p>

<p>Any more advice? Can I hear from some people who have gone through this process?</p>

<p>Is it true that the SAT is used solely to check the validity of the PSAT, or is it used for further qualification?</p>

<p>I have no idea and would be fairly curious. On my junior year PSAT I had a 228 (probably crap since I'm in MA) and haven't taken the SAT since the 10th grade (2150) so, hmm...</p>

<p>i got a 236 PSAT, but a 2240 SAT. i'm not retaking. NMF doesn't mean much b/c you get it after college app deadlines and well, most schools dont take the money anyways.</p>

<p>I thought they just give you the money.. or is it through the school you go to?</p>

<p>And besides, I need the bragging rights.. =)</p>

<p>Honestly noone knows?</p>

<p>Seriously, don't worry about it. You are almost certain to become a finalist (basically all semifinalists who fill out the form do). For scholarships, as I already stated, a higher SAT score basically won't help unless your SAT is very very low to begin with. Some colleges (but none of the ones CC people consider prestigious) automatically give scholarships- some of which are very large - to any finalist who decides to attend that school. If your college does not do this, you automatically compete for a $2500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. I believe 2500 of these are given out (out of 15000 finalists). For the purposes of that competition, I can't see your SAT score (which is, incidentally, very high) hurting you at all.</p>

<p>No need to retake. There is a pretty low standard for the follow-up SAT score.</p>

<p>Thanks guys! That was very helpful.</p>

<p>Sorry to hijack the thread, but what about a 233 PSAT and a 2260 (combined)/2220 (single) SAT?</p>

<p>The way I see it, if you're scoring above 2100 you're probably good...considering for some states a 210 is well within the semifinalist range...They just don't want you to get a 225 PSAT and then a 1750 SAT</p>

<p>2260 is definitely ok.</p>