I was notified in January that I qualified for the Presidential Scholars program in my state. I didn’t think this was something to tell schools about, or that it was that important in their eyes, because they already know my SAT scores, and all that qualifying really means is that I got a high score.
Is it too late? Is it something to worry about?
Oh, and National Merit Finalist. Again, I thought this stuff wouldn’t really matter to them – they already know my score.
You have to notify them if you actually receive mone.y
@twoinanddone but for like admissions purposes, is it important?
Presidential Scholars isn’t a money thing, either.
Not really important cuz colleges already see your scores imo
That’s reassuring!
Unfortunately that is one award, if you receive it, that comes too late to affect college admissions.
I think it may be too late to notify, though you may have nothing to lose by doing so, even now. You really should have. Apparently only 160 kids in the whole country get the Presidential Scholar distinction. And re NMSF, yes, you should have notified because it shows that you were already ahead of the pack when you did the PSAT. Am really puzzled as to why you didn’t think these achievements were worth emailing ad reps about.
I didn’t get the award. I qualified. All you have to do to qualify is have, basically, a perfect SAT score. And the colleges know that I do.
I find out if I moved onto the next round in April.
Yes, but the only way you can be considered for NMSF is to do really well on the PSAT. They can see your score of course, but not know that you qualified for NMSF. And if you are indeed a finalist, you had to have essays and recs if I am not mistaken. It is a competition. Anyway, I am sure it isn’t going to hurt that you didn’t mention it, but it might have helped.
I guess I had a misunderstanding of what it really took to become a Finalist. I mean, like 90% of Semi-Finalists become Finalists.
Yep. But the college doesn’t know unless you tell them. Not all kids with super high SAT scores become NMSF finalists because they cant be bothered doing the essays, getting the recs, etc… I know a girl who was one of them. She didn’t care, she still got into a great college and they offered a big financial incentive. I think something like only 8000 actually recieve scholarships. Out of the 1.5 million who initially take the PSAT, that’s not too shabby.
I haven’t gotten any scholarships yet, I’ll find out soon though.
If you are still waiting for notification from any schools, I would send an email to your regional admissions rep with this info. Can’t hurt!
Congrats!