Below we cover the the most frequently asked questions about the National Merit Scholarship Program. Please see our National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs page for the latest information on actual and projected Selection Index cutoffs by state.
What is the National Merit Scholarship Program and how do you enter?
The NMSP is a program administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in cooperation with the College Board to recognize high achieving high school seniors. Some recognition levels are based purely on junior PSAT/NMSQT scores, while other levels have additional qualifications (explained below). The NMSC gives out approximately $50 million in scholarships each year, and some colleges provide lowered—or even free—tuition to recognized students, multiplying the net impact of National Merit severalfold.
You must take the PSAT/NMSQT as a high school junior and either attend high school in the United States or U.S. Territories or be a U.S. student studying abroad. On your PSAT score report, you will see a section with your Selection Index and how you answered the questions about your entry eligibility. If there is an asterisk next to your Selection Index, it means that NMSC believes that you are ineligible.
What if I couldn’t take the PSAT?
Every year students miss the PSAT for legitimate reasons such as illness. To allow those students the opportunity to compete in National Merit, NMSC has a process known as alternate entry. Students must make a written request to NMSC for an alternate entry application form. The application itself must be signed off on by your principal or counselor and postmarked no later than April 1 after the missed PSAT/NMSQT.
What is the Selection Index?
The Selection Index is a weighting of your PSAT component scores to determines the level of your recognition within the initial stages of the National Merit program.
How is the Selection Index calculated?
The Selection Index is double the sum of your Reading and Writing (RW) score, and Math score divided by 10. Alternatively, you can simply drop the last zero on your section scores, double the RW and add the Math. For example, a student with scores of 690 RW and 720 M would have a Selection Index of 69 x 2 + 72 = 210. You cannot directly calculate a Selection Index from a Total Score (320 – 1520). For students entering the competition with an SAT score through Alternate Entry, note that — when calculating a Selection Index — each SAT section is capped at 760. If, for example, you have a 700 RW and 800 Math, your Selection Index would be 70 x2 + 76 = 216.
Why is the Reading and Writing twice as important as the Math?
The emphasis on “verbal” skills has a long history with the NMSP. The digital PSAT no longer has separate Reading and Writing scores, but the RW score is still doubled.
I’ve already received my PSAT scores; how can I find out whether I will qualify for recognition?
Although you can use the Compass projections to estimate whether you are likely to qualify as a Commended Student or Semifinalist, there is no way of knowing your official status until high schools are notified by NMSC in early September of your senior year (sometimes schools hear by late August). Compass has published the cutoffs for the class of 2024 and estimates for the class of 2025. An historical archive dating back more than 15 years can be found here. The Commended cutoff for future classes becomes unofficially known in the April after the PSAT. Compass will report this score and how it may impact Semifinalist cutoffs on our regularly updated cutoffs post.
Will I qualify as a Semifinalist if I am in the 99th percentile for Selection Index according to my score report?
Although approximately 1% of test takers will become Semifinalists, there are a number of reasons why percentile scores are far too inaccurate to determine eligibility. Even the state percentiles that are now on the digital SAT report do not have enough information, because they are actually based on the prior 3 years of scores. Further, the percentile is rounded, and not accurate enough to determine cutoffs.
Why do some states have more Semifinalists and Finalists than other states?
Although Commended Scholars are honored based on a single, national cutoff, NMSC distributes Semifinalists proportionally to states (and District of Columbia and U.S. Territories) based on the number of graduating students in the state. For example, California sees approximately 2,100 Semifinalists each year—the most in the country. It gets 13% of Semifinalists because it produces approximately 13% of high school graduates. Mississippi, on the other hand, typically sees about 135 National Merit Semifinalists, because the state produces a bit more than 0.8% of U.S. graduates. The distribution is completely unrelated to the number of students taking the PSAT in the state.
Why are Semifinalist cutoffs so much higher in some states than in others?
Two things that have impact on cutoffs are participation rates and demographics. In some states, ACT is the dominant test and not as many students take the PSAT. This leaves some students out of the competition and will tend to produce lower cutoffs. Some states have large pockets of extremely qualified students and are particularly competitive. For example, Massachusetts and New Jersey have class of 2024 cutoffs of 222 and 223, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming had NMSF cutoffs of 207 for the class of 2024. The minimum Semifinalist cutoff for a state is the national Commended level. If, for example, the Commended cutoff is at 210, no state can have a Semifinalist cutoff less than 210.
How are Semifinalists set for homeschoolers, boarding school students, or U.S. students studying abroad?
Homeschoolers are treated no differently than other students in a state. U.S. students studying abroad will have to meet the highest state cutoff in the country. For the class of 2024, that was 223. Boarding school cutoffs are the most complex to calculate. Instead of being set at the state level, they are determined regionally. A Northeast boarding school student, for example, must meet the highest cutoff of any state within the Northeast region. NMSC defines boarding schools as schools with predominantly out-of-state students. NMSC considers your state to be where you went to school when you took the PSAT, not your state of residency or the state of your new school.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to participate?
NMSC has made this part of the process easier to understand than it was in the past. Students at high school in the U.S. or in U.S. Territories are eligible. Period. Students studying abroad are eligible as long as they are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the U.S. (“green card”) or or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become U.S. citizens at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.
Will NMSC notify me if I become a Semifinalist?
No. NMSC provides information only to schools until a student becomes a Finalist. Homeschoolers are the exception.
When will my school tell me?
NMSC mails information to schools in late August. Some schools let students know their status in early September. Many schools wait until NMSC officially releases student names to the press in the second week of September. Compass will track all of the latest news on our Semifinalists cutoff page.
Will being a Semifinalist help get me into my first-choice college?
While Semifinalist status is a nice award to list on your application, you should not expect it alone to have a significant impact on your admission chances at most colleges. The recognition tells college that you did well on the PSAT. Your SAT and ACT scores are far more important to colleges; your National Merit status does not add much new information. However, having a high number of enrolled Semifinalists is seen as a badge of honor at some colleges and will factor in their admission decisions. Some colleges have programs specifically to attract National Merit Finalists and offer large merit awards.
Do I need to take the SAT to become a Semifinalist?
No. Commended Student and Semifinalist recognition are based only on your Selection Index and your entry eligibility.
What happens after I am named a Semifinalist?
Semifinalists will receive login credentials for the Finalist application portal. You will need to provide background information and an essay. Your school will need to provide its recommendation and electronically submit your application in the second week of October,
What is the National Merit Finalist essay prompt?
NMSC may change the prompt in future years, but it has been the same for many years. It is broad enough that most students are able to use or slightly rework their Common App essay. For the class of 2024, the prompt was:
“To help the reviewers get to know you, describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you. Use your own words and limit your response to the space provided.”
There is not a word limit specified, but the essay must fit within the provided space (approximately 3500 characters). Expect to keep your essay to 600 – 650 words.
Do I need to take the SAT or ACT to become a Finalist?
Among the requirements to proceed from Semifinalist to Finalist is that you receive a “confirming score.” This score helps validate that you can, on an official SAT or ACT test date, achieve a high score and confirm your testing skill.
Can a high ACT score be a confirming score?
Yes, the ACT can be used to confirm PSAT results.
How high of an SAT score do I need for a confirming score?
The confirming score is determined each year by NMSC and is calculated in the same way as the PSAT Selection Index. The confirming score is set nationally, so it does not matter what Semifinalist cutoff you met. The confirming SAT Selection Index (SSI) generally falls at or near the Commended cutoff.
The easiest calculation of the SSI is from your section scores. Drop a zero, double your RW, and add your Math score. For example, Student X might have a total score of 1450, with section scores of 720 RW and 730 M. Student X’s SSI would be 2(72) + 73 = 217. It’s possible for a student with a lower total score to have a higher SSI. Student Y has a total score of 1430, with section scores of 750 ERW and 690 M. Student Y’s SSI would be 2(75) + 69 = 219.
You cannot determine your SSI directly from your total score. One student scoring 1400 might have a high enough SSI, whereas another student with a 1400 might fall short. You must know your RW and Math scores.
How high of an ACT score do I need for a confirming score?
NMSC wants to have a level playing field, so it converts components of the ACT score into an SAT Selection Index. In order to do that, you need to use the official concordance tables published by ACT/College Board. There is no SAT Science, so NMSC does not look at ACT Science. So discard that score.
Step 1: Add your ACT English and ACT Reading scores
Step 2: Use the ACT E+R to SAT RW concordance table to find the concordant SAT RW score based on the sum in step 1. Be sure that you are going in the correct direction when using the concordance tables. ACT E+R to SAT RW is not always the same as SAT RW to ACT E+R.
Step 3: Use the ACT M to SAT M table to find the concordant SAT M score based on your ACT Math score.
Step 4: Calculate your SAT SI: drop the last zeros (i.e. divide by 10), double your RW, and add your Math score. You want this number to be at least as high as your class year’s Commended Student score.
Example:
A student has ACT scores of 32E, 34M, 33R, and 31S. Science is not used. The sum of E and R is 65. In the concordance tables, this is equivalent to a 700 RW. The 34 Math is concordant to a 760. This student’s SAT Selection Index is 70×2 + 76 = 216.
When do I have to take the SAT or ACT for the score to be ‘confirmed’?
You can use any SAT or ACT score from the fall of your sophomore year to December of your senior year. This means that you could have received an SAT confirming score even before taking the PSAT/NMSQT. NMSC recommends that you not wait until the December test date.
How do I submit scores to NMSC?
NMSC does not automatically know your SAT and ACT scores. You must submit them just as you would to a college. The College Board code for NMSC is 0085. The ACT code is 7984. Please verify these codes before submitting. Since NMSC will use your highest scores, there is no penalty for choosing them as one of your free score recipients when you register for the SAT or ACT.
Can I superscore SAT or ACT dates in order to reach the confirming score cutoff?
No. NMSC will use your highest scores, but will not superscore across test dates.
If I have achieved a confirming score, is there any reason to shoot for a higher score?
The requirement for a confirming score is simply true or false when applying to become a Finalist. However, your test scores are used to evaluate you during the scholarship phase of the competition. Depending on your goals, you may want to optimize your score.
Can sophomores qualify for National Merit recognition?
No. Even if your scores are high enough, you will not be eligible for National Merit as a sophomore unless you will be graduating a year early. In that case, you should contact NMSC or your principal about next steps as NMSC has no way of automatically knowing your eligibility.
Is it hard for a Semifinalist to become a Finalist?
Of the 16,000 Semifinalists, 15,000 become Finalists. You must go through an application process to proceed to Finalist level and then to compete for National Merit Scholarships. As part of the application, you must meet citizenship requirements, have a satisfactory academic record, achieve a confirming score on the SAT or ACT (and submit the scores to NMSC!), write an essay, and receive a recommendation from your principal. More information can be found in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide. In the Semifinalist letter from your school (it will NOT come from NMSC unless you are homeschooled), NMSC will provide details about how to begin the process online.
When will I find out if I am a Finalist?
You will be notified in February of senior year.
Do all Finalists receive scholarships? What is a National Merit Scholar?
Only about half of Finalists become National Merit Scholars and receive a National Merit Scholarship. There are three types of scholarships for Finalists, each with its own criteria. A student can only receive one type of scholarship. Approximately 4,000 Finalists receive scholarships from sponsoring colleges with renewable stipends of $500–$2,500 per year. Students must be accepted by a sponsoring institution and list the college as first choice in order to receive a college-sponsored award. These awards are not transferable to another college. Corporations sponsor approximately 1,000 awards for Finalists each year with a minimum one-time value of $2,500 or $1,000 renewable. Most of these awards are to Finalists who are the children of employees. Approximately 2,500 students receive awards of $2,500 directly from National Merit. These awards are highly competitive and are allocated proportionally by state. A list of sponsoring colleges and corporations can be found in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide.
I’ve heard about colleges that provide full-ride awards. Why are college-sponsored awards only listed as $500–$2,500 per year?
Colleges can also choose to provide additional awards to National Merit Finalists. These are not technically National Merit Scholarships, but they can be the most important awards for many students. Which colleges offer these awards and how much they offer can change from year to year. In recent years, Florida has had a generous scholarship program for National Merit Finalists, and schools such as UT-Dallas and Texas A&M also provide substantial awards. Compass does not maintain a database of scholarships. The National Merit forum at collegeconfidential.com is a useful resource.
Are scholarships available to Commended Students and Semifinalists?
Technically, these students cannot be National Merit Scholars, but approximately 1,100 of them will receive Special Scholarships from sponsoring corporations. As with other corporate-sponsored awards, these are predominantly for the children of employees, although companies can also identify students in a particular region or field of study.
When will I find out if I receive a scholarship?
You will be notified of scholarship status sometime between March and June of your senior year. In order to receive a college-sponsored scholarship, you must note the college as your first choice on the National Merit application. It can be to your advantage not to immediately choose a first-choice college—you can leave it as “Undecided.” You do not want to miss out on a large scholarship because you have listed the wrong college. There is no reason to list a college that does not provide National Merit Scholarships. List your first-choice among college that do provide scholarships. You can update your choice via the Online Scholarship Application portal.
I’m from Utah, and I got a 1460 on the PSAT (760 math, 700 english, and 216 Index). What’ll that get me?
Ethan,
My working hypothesis is that about half of cut-offs will remain unchanged (or lower) this year. We don’t have any specific reason to view Utah as out of the norm, so I’d call it 50/50.
How does the state cut off determined ? It is based on number of seats each state can have ? If so, how the number of seats are calculated ? ( Total students who took NMSQT/PSAT in that state / National Total NMSQT/PSAT students ) * 16000 ?
Thanks
NMSQ,
Your formula is correct except that the number of juniors is used rather than PSAT takers. That gives the target value for a state. The target will almost never be hit exactly. If the target is 500 NMSFs in a state and there are 475 who have 218 or better and 540 that have 217 or better, then the cutoff would be 218.
When should a student take the PSAT? 10th grade? 11th grade?
Tina,
Only the junior year PSAT counts toward National Merit, but the sophomore PSAT can be an excellent learning experience. Most students follow what is being offered by their school.
Hello Art,
Very helpful article. I’m wondering if you are for hire to help with college applications and advisement? Our daughter is a junior with a 34 on the ACT, and a 218 on the PSAT from AZ. We are starting the college app process and realize we need to maximize her chances with some expertise in the application process.
Thanks,
Darcey
Thank you, Darcy. Compass specializes in test preparation, but we work with many independent college counselors. If you call our office, a director will be able to provide a referral.
IF ONLY PERMANENT RESIDENT CAN GET A SCHOLARSHIP?
THANK YOU
Marina,
The full version is that a student must be “be a citizen of the United States; or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have applied for permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.”
If my son take the PSAT in Florida, but we move to Texas shortly after that, will his SSI cut off be evaluated in Florida or Texas?
In the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student’s state is defined based on the school at the time of the PSAT. Your son will be qualifying for Semifinalist based on the Florida numbers. It’s not a bad idea to check in with your son’s former school since notifications will flow through them (NMSC has no way of knowing your son’s current school).
Thank you for the very informative article! I am comfortable in the Finalist range (currently a junior) and using your formula have an SSI from the “confirming SAT” test of 214. Do you think I am relatively safe with this? I have focused on the ACT — which is the prevalent test at my school. I haven’t prepared to retake the SAT.
Anna,
Yes, I think your 214 is safe. To my knowledge, there has never been a confirming score that much higher (it is often lower) than the Commended cutoff. Good luck on the ACT!
Hello,
We are in Florida and my son scored a 218.
Best guess? Will 219 be cutoff for finalists?
Thank you for all the advice.
Renee,
Yes, my best guess is 219, but we will see a fair number of states (I think 10-12) with lower cutoffs this year. So your son is not out of it.
My son got at 1470 on the PSAT in PA. 710 English and 760 math. I believe this adds up to be a 218. Will he make National Merit Scholar?
Maureen,
Your math is correct. I expect 10-12 states to see lower cutoffs this year, which is what would be required for your son to be a Semifinalist. If he makes Semifinalist, then he would continue on to the Finalist portion and then the Scholar portion of the competition.
If I take the SAT before the PSAT, will I be disqualified from the PSAT?
Sara,
No, definitely not. You can take the SAT whenever you choose.
My 7th grader, Paul, scored EBRW – 670 and Math -770 on the Nov 3 SAT sitting. For how long will NMSC accept this score for “confirmation”? Thanks.
Radu,
Confirming scores must be from SATs between October of sophomore year and December of senior year. If your son is planning to graduate early, things change a bit. I would plan on Paul taking the test closer to when he takes the qualifying PSAT in a few years. I’m sure that his scores will be even higher. Amazing results for a 7th grader!
Good morning. My daughter received a 215 on the PSAT . Her SAT was SI of 211. She has been focused on AP exams and the ACT. Is the 211 enough for a confirmation score for 2019 year?
Thanks!
Anna,
I don’t know why NMSC can’t just set a confirming SAT score well in advance. It usually falls around — or just under — the Commended level. That leaves your daughter a bit vulnerable. There is absolutely no reason to panic, though. Students have until December to earn a confirming score. For some students, I recommend signing up for the October SAT and seeing how things play out. If she qualifies as a Semifinalist, then she can go ahead and try to raise her score. In fact, she might get word before the registration deadline for the test. The August exam is an option for students who don’t want to test during the school year.
Thank you for the great article! My son has a combined score of 215 in Oklahoma. Will he make National Merit Semi-Finalist or do you think 216 will be the cut-off again? Thanks!
Angela,
While it is more likely that the cutoff will be at 216 or above, I believe that we will see a number of states with declines this year. College Board has not released any data specific to Oklahoma.
Just a comment: I’m reviewing your site and noticing that my son’s index score of 214 probably won’t qualify him for much more than commended student. He scored in the 99th percentile plus mostly due to his perfect math score of 760. Unfortunately, the formula used leaves him out.
Autumn,
Yes, the weighting of the Selection Index does no favors for students stronger in math. The half-full glass is that the new 400-1600 SAT puts strong math students on better footing for college admission than the old 600-2400 SAT.
Can a student qualify for National Merit Scholar consideration by taking the SAT, or is the PSAT the only way to be considered? My son will be a junior in high school this fall. His SAT score from June 1, 2018, was 1460 (760 EBRW, 700 math).
Heather,
An SAT can be substituted only by applying for an exception, and exceptions are normally granted only in situations where a student had no alternative — for example, being hospitalized during the PSAT/NMSQT administration.
Would an 800 on Math and 760 on reading be a confirming SAT score?
Sarah,
Yes, that is *well* over what will be necessary as a confirming score. That’s an SAT Selection index of 226. I expect the confirming mark to come in somewhere around 211-213 this year.
Hi Art – Is is ok to do really well on PSAT (222 – possibly National Merit Scholar for CT) and submit ACT to college rather than SAT. My SAT should certainly qualify for NAtional Merit confirming score but my ACT of 35 is a better overall score….so it seems. In other words, to get into a highly competitive school, does it look bad to have National Merit Scholar Status and then submit ACT instead of SAT?
Maria,
Absolutely. A school is not going to think less of you for doing well on both the PSAT and ACT and deciding to skip the SAT. However, I want to make sure that you understand the implications for National Merit. It sounds like you will make the Semifinalist cutoff. To proceed to the next stage, though, you would need a “confirming” SAT score taken no later than December. Without that score, you will not be able to continue to the Finalist or Scholar portions. That may not matter. Schools such as Harvard and Yale don’t offer NM scholarships and don’t put much stock in NM (you can’t throw a stick in Harvard Yard without hitting a couple of Semifinalists).
My son took SAT twice, and first one had – Reading 760 /Math 790/Writing 6/6/8,and second one had Reading 750 /Math 800/Writing 7/7/8.Which score should be send to NMSQT?
You can send all of the scores. NMSC does not super score, but they will take the highest score. In terms of a confirming score, the higher ERW is better, but both tests are well above what is needed. NMSC does not use essay scores.
Hi Art,
What are the best programs for Illinois residents, with a National Merit Semi/Finalist status?
Thanks!
Most of the college-sponsored scholarships for National Merit Finalists are available to out-of-state students, since the colleges want to draw in top students from around the country. Florida just opened up a great new set of options. There are far too many scholarships for me to keep track of. I recommend the forums at College Confidential for this topic. Helpful parents facing the same decisions.
I have noticed in a few older articles that Commended Students could have their scores sent to two schools, by the College Board I gather is that still the practice? If not, when did that stop, after 2010? If so, do you know what the process is for that? Would the College Board website have details or on the National Merit Corp. site? Perhaps I am remembering this wrong, my last go around was a while ago with my older daughter. Thank you.
Kris,
I am not aware of that practice. AFAIK, College Board and NMSC operate independently other than their joint sponsorship of the PSAT/NMSQT. I don’t believe that Commended Students or Semifinalists get to have College Board send out scores except under the same terms as for everyone else.
Hi Art,
When will we find out if our student is a semifinalist? He has not taken the SAT yet but dd well on his ACT. Are the scholarships significant? Do you recommend that he take the SAT? Thank you for your reply.
Lee,
Schools have been notified, but each high school decides how and when to notify students. Some wait until the public release date of 9/12. “Significant” is in the eye of the beholder. Awards directly from National Merit are for $2,500. Corporate-sponsored awards can be one-time or renewable for multiple years. Some colleges provide large awards to National Merit Finalists. You and your student would need to decide whether or not the chance at these awards is worth the distraction of taking the SAT. Your student doesn’t need to decide right away. National Merit will accept scores through the December date.
I read on many forums that if you are a semifinalist you must wait to be told what date to take the confirming SAT to proceed, because just any SAT score is not accepted. Is this true? Also, if you leave your 1st choice as undecided, when must you name it and how is that done?
Kay,
Students can earn a confirming score on any SAT between the October test of sophomore year and December test of senior year. NMSC must receive scores by Dec 31 for full consideration, so the November test is the safer bet. There is absolutely no reason students must wait for further instructions.
Once you receive the Semifinalist paperwork, you will create an online account to submit your application. You will later be able to use this account to change your first choice school. Referrals to colleges happen between March 1 and May 31. To receive full consideration — since some colleges have a limited pool of scholarships — you should probably have a choice in by Feb 28. You can, however, change your choice up until May 31. You’ll get more information about this in the Requirements and Instructions for Semifinalists.
You’ve mentioned that the SAT score counts from October of Sophmore year. Since we now have August SAT, wouldn’t they change to August? It would make sense to include August.
It is important to us because my daughter, Sophomore, finished SAT in one seating in August this year (760 eng 800 math) and not planning to take any more.
Please confirm and advise.
Thank you so much in advance
Christine,
NMSC changes *very* slowly, so I would not count on the August score being accepted. There is still plenty of time, though, so there is no reason to act now. Your daughter has more than two years before she will have her last chance at a confirming score, and she is still a year away from the junior PSAT/NMSQT. Let’s hope things are changed by then. The fact that your daughter was already able to get a 1560 means that earning a confirming score at any point will not be a problem.
How do we find out the Selection Index? My son took the SAT as a junior (not PSAT) and scored 1540. We contacted NMSC and they sent the documents for an alternate entry. But we haven’t heard anything since we did that in October. Thanks…
Steven,
Your son’s score is likely high enough. Compute his Selection Index by doubling ERW, adding Math, and dropping the zero. Compare this to the state (figures below) where he was enrolled when he took the test. Contact your school to see if they have heard anything. What state are you in?
NC. Selection Index would be 228 based on that. And just heard from Principal that he made the cut (whew). Thanks so much for the response.
Congratulations to your son!
Will the NMSC SAT SI vary by state? I have a student with a 210.
RRR,
The confirming SAT score is the same for every state. A 210 may be enough, but if making Finalist is important — and it is not important to everyone — I recommend signing up for an upcoming exam.
Hi, my son is a semifinalist, and has conflicts on both the October and November SAT adminstration dates. What is the reason that it is”urged” to take before December? If he does take in December, what will / may he risk by doing so? Thanks!
PZ,
The December test is perfectly acceptable, but it leaves less room for error. College Board will have most scores available for students by December 19. If your son takes only the multiple choice portion, he’ll get his scores back a few days earlier. Scores are reported to colleges (or other organizations such as NMSC) within 10 days. In order to be eligible for “full award consideration,” scores must be received by NMSC by December 31. You can see why things are tight. Should your son’s scores be delayed for some reason, it’s possible that he would miss this deadline. I don’t think it is likely, but it is possible. Taking the last available date also leaves him without options should he get sick. If he has conflicts, then December is a viable option. It’s just not a date I recommend when students are able to take October or November. Should your son miss the Dec 31 deadline, he is still eligible to be a Finalist as long as his scores are received by Jan 31. Do make sure that NMSC is designated as a score recipient when your son registers. The full set of requirements and instructions for Semifinalists can be found here.
Do you think my son has a high enough confirming SAT score? We are from Florida and homeschool. He has a SI of 224 on PSAT and 1460 on SAT with 40/39/33.5 for reading, writing and language, and math. If I have calculated correctly, his has a SI of 225 on SAT. Is that correct, and do you think it is enough for a confirming score? Is this the only time SAT scores will be used in the application process or will the scores also be considered in finalist to winner round too? If so I just wondering if he should take the SAT again to try for a higher score. Thank you!
Anne,
The confirming score usually comes in close to the Commended cutoff, so your son’s 225 — yes, you calculated it correctly — is well above what is required.
SAT scores are considered during the scholarship portion of the competition. If he is already satisfied with his score for his college applications, I generally wouldn’t recommend retesting just to improve one’s chances for a National Merit sponsored scholarship. Let me explain. Much of what will be considered — grades, PSAT score, essay — won’t be changed by an SAT retest. Is a slightly higher chance at one of the $2,500 awards worth it? Maybe. The bigger factor for many students is the possibility of a large college-sponsored award. Your son’s SAT score is important there only to the extent (or almost only) that it gets him admitted. Since you are in Florida, you may already be thinking of the Benacquisto Scholarship Program. As far as I know, a higher SAT score does not increase one’s qualifications for the award. There is not a wrong choice in your son’s situation. It’s just a matter of what his goals are and how he thinks he can best spend his time over these next critical months.
To qualify as a Finalist, do you have to take the SAT with writing, or is the SAT without writing accepted as well?
Celin,
The NMS Program does not use the SAT Essay at any step in the process. You do not need to take the essay to qualify as a Finalist.