I’ve just gotten around to starting my National Merit Scholarship application, and I found out they take SAT scores into account, which I didn’t realize. I got a 2180 on my SAT, which I’m sure is good enough to confirm the 224 on the PSAT, but should I take it again anyway? I got a 35 on the ACT, so I can probably get a better score by taking the SAT again, but is SAT enough of a deciding factor that I should take it again? I wouldn’t worry so much about it, but since they only give out 2,500 of the $2,500 scholarships, which is the only one I’ll be considered for, and my GPA is only 3.96, which I’m sure isn’t very good compared to the others applying.
Hopefully some one who really knows for sure can answer but from the top of my head I think you want 2000. Don’t retake unless it really is an issue, which I doubt. this has been answered before if you care to use ‘search’. this is an award/honor worth having.
However the bigger issue you should be aware of is that there are many college that will give large awards for NMF, even full rides and full tuition. there is a whole list of them in the threads pinned to the top of the financial aid forum. I don’t have time to find it for you now.
Is there a reason that you’re not applying to a school that gives a big NMF award as a safety?
I wouldn’t sweat the one time 2500 award from NMCorp unless you don’t have need. If you have “need” and you get into a school that meets need, then the school will reduce its aid by 2500 for frosh year.
What state are you in?