@binky17 if he made the cutoff for his state, then he’s good.
We didn’t even know the PSAT mattered. We let him go to a concert the night before and he came home at 2am. Now I tell everyone we know with younger kids that it matters, even if their kids initially don’t think they will apply to NM schools. You never know, things evolve so much over that year. I can’t wait for high school to be done, frankly. Good luck everybody!
Not only can they then apply to NM schools, but they also have a bit of a hook (because it’s such a recognized academic competition) for schools in general. It can translate into better chances at a more selective school and/or more merit money, even if the school ISN’T a NM school.
Hello,
First post, so bear with me.
I’m trying to make sure the NMF process was taken care of properly. I’m trying to plan a trip to Oklahoma University, but I’m considering the school largely on the nmf scholarship. I submitted my completed application on Oct 11. On the osa portal it says my school uploaded their portion on Oct 12 (Oct 12 was the deadline). I submitted my SAT to NMSC as a 1490. I haven’t been a discipline problem and I have no C’s on my transcript. Is it worth planning the trip now? Or should I wait until I am sure of nmf status? Thanks for the assistance.
@CrimsonCulture how far will you be traveling? I am inclined to say wait because I think you will hear by mid February by latest. When were you hoping to visit? By car or plane?
I’m definitely flying (from NH) and I’ll probably be going mid-late February. Generally, I would like to plan my flights about a month in advance just to keep the cost down.
I just called NMSC, and a gentleman there told me the feared letters went out yesterday, most likely toward the end of the day. So it is unlikely anyone will hear anything today. He also said that they cannot disclose info about students over the phone. Good luck to all.
@CrimsonCulture - given no recognizable problem with your application, you are quite reasonable to book a flight at this point, especially if your travel date is mid-Feb.
The statistic quoted has been that well over 90% of semifinalists progress to finalist stage. Even assuming 90% this year, those are still pretty good odds. And if you can’t see a problem with your application - your odds are obviously going to be higher still.
@MatzoBall most likely no one will hear before next week. Why did they wait so long this year to send them out, I wonder?
^^^
Also wondering…
There were some weather issues earlier in the month.
Did some areas’ Dec SAT date get rescheduled for a later date?
Maybe they had too many high schools’ screw up and send late?
Oh, yes that is tricky. No chance you can go later, then @CrimsonCulture ?
It’s possible. It could become an issue just because of work starting up (seasonal employment). Thank you guys for the help. If I could ask one more question: in terms of NMF schools that give strong merit aid, why is Mississippi State University not talked about as much as Oklahoma University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Alabama? Their package seems to be very similar and they are regular ol’ public flagship colleges. I guess what I’m asking is why do I not hear as much discussion about Mississippi State when people talk about NMF destinations?
UK, UA and OU are flagship schools in sizable university towns, for starters.
I recently met a wonderful, happy NM student who chose OU over USC and Northeastern after her visit, btw, so good luck!
The SAT cutoffs are all new & different for this year’s NMSFs. Remember, this class’ confirming SSI for PSAT because of the new PSAT was all wait and see. Then everyone had not knowing what the confirming SAT would be for NMF until just recently because the National Merit Foundation had to wait to have a large number enough pool of new SAT scores to determine an appropriate cutoff along with old SAT scores…( We were told in late fall a SAT with a SSI of 209 or over was sufficient until NMF could nail it down and a parent was recently told by NMF the SSI cutoff had been determined to be 206.) Maybe that’s why there was a delay?
Going to relax for the next couple of days on the trip to the mailbox. @MatzoBall, thanks for calling and finding out when the " dreaded letters" were mailed.
So I read up-thread that the dreaded rejection letters went out Tuesday afternoon, supposedly. Here in Texas nothing yesterday. Fingers crossed for today. Good luck, all.
Texas NMSF here. I have 2 or 3 C’s on my transcript from doing poorly in freshman year. Really, really hoping that I can still advance because the school I’m gunning for has a full-tuition scholarship for NMFs.
@megxhan good luck! let us know if you’re willing.
My D is a Texas NMSF as well. Nothing in the mail today! She should be ok on grades, but a little nervous because she dropped 2 AP classes from her schedule for this year. Not sure if that would have shown on transcript sent from school, and might count against her for continued rigor in coursework. Makes a big difference in scholarship $$ for her chosen school. Good luck to all anxiously waiting!
My S is a NJ NMSF, but I dread the trip to the mailbox because of his 2 C’s last year in honors classes. He also took 3 AP classes last year and is taking 5 AP’s this year while also working 25-30 hours per week at his job since the summer before his junior year as well as several EC’s. I hope they take all of that into consideration. Already received two full-tuition scholarships, but one of the school’s he really is interested in gives $ for finalist. I know his chances are not good, but overall he has done well and being a semi-finalist is a great accomplishment. Anyway, good luck to all!