<p>PSAT - one sitting in October of Junior year. That is the score that qualifies for NMF. It is possible that the state qualifying line could drop - but not probable that it would drop three points in one year. Commended status is a nice line for the resume, that’s about it.</p>
<p>Work on his resume - Look for a leadership position he can hold outside of athletics. A real job is even good. </p>
<p>Public schools in CA - look at their websites, my guess is that even the top students would be luck to get 1/2 tuition.</p>
<p>If you want to stay in California, start looking at the private schools. Santa Clara and Loyolla offer merit scholarships, deadlines are in the fall. You probably have a stronger chance qualifying at private California schools for merit.</p>
<p>Google “common data set” “name of school” 2009 … and that will tell you where your son is in the top 25% or higher, and give you an indication of where he might qualify for strong merit.</p>
<p>I don’t believe Stanford gives any merit - but again could be wrong.</p>