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How do you apply for the National Merit Scholarship? Are you chosen? How are you chosen?

By Thedad (Thedad) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 03:30 pm: Edit

You qualify on the basis of your junior year PSAT score. That is the *only* path to these scholarships.

If you qualify as a semi-finalist, you will be notified about providing an essay, rec from your high school, and collaborating SAT scores to show your PSAT wasn't a fluke. I don't know what the cut-off for SAT scores is but it was lower than I would have thought based upon info provided in a thread a few months ago.

By Fmhstud83 (Fmhstud83) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 05:10 pm: Edit

How do you know if you qualified to be in the runnings for the scholarship?

By Momof2 (Momof2) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 05:45 pm: Edit

You get a letter from Nat'l Merit the spring of your junior year - these are sent to everyone who will be Commended or Semifinalist. In the early fall of the senior year, the official "Semifinalist" letters go out, along with the Finalist application packet. A few weeks later, the "Commended" letters arrive to everyone else. Semifinalists are selected by state - believe it's the top 5% of junior year scores for each state, therefore the widely varying qualifying scores around the country. There is a wealth of posts on this site - try a seach on "National Merit" and "NM Semifinalist."

By Aparent (Aparent) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 05:54 pm: Edit

The top 5 percent in the country are the commendees. About a third of the top five percent, those who score above the cut-offs in each state, which tend to be somewhere above 220, depending, become semifinalists. They find this out in September. Those who have academic records to back up the semifinalist choice (as opposed to being slackers who are good test-takers) become finalists in February. Then about 8,000 win National Merit Scholar; half of these are sponsored by universities or corporations, the other half by the National Merit Corporation itself.

By Fmhstud83 (Fmhstud83) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 01:03 am: Edit

Thank you

By Useatoothbrush (Useatoothbrush) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 07:12 pm: Edit

To correct Aparent's otherwise sound post: the cutoff for semi finalist on only higher than 220 in a couple of states on the east coast. In some less-populated states, I think the cutoff is as low as 210, I could be mistaken. Most states have cutoffs around 215 or so. I do know that you most likely do NOT need a 220, unless you are in Massachusetts and maybe a couple other east coast states that have a lot of magnet schools and smart kids.

By Medusa2003 (Medusa2003) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 07:29 pm: Edit

Some states like Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia has cut-offs closer to 200. Also it is my understanding that of the 8,000 National Merit Scholars only about 2,000 receive the one time $2,500 award from the National Scholarship Corporation.

Attached is information on recent cut-off scores for achieving National Merit Semifinalist status. They may vary by year but this will give you an idea of the scores required. If you have a competent high school counselor you might obtain additional information from him or her.

Copied from Princeton Review College Discussion Board: Posted by Hannah Bowen, co-author, 1999 edition on September 17, 1998 at 22:31:56:

AL...211 AK...214 AZ...212 AR...202 CA...215

CO...210 CT...219 DE...216 DC...222 FL...213

GA...211 HI...215 ID...203 IL...213 IN...210

IA...209 KS...212 KY...207 LA...207 ME...214

MD...220 MA...222 MI...209 MN...214 MS...201

MO...211 MT...206 NE...208 NV...203 NH...213

NJ...220 NM...207 NY...217 NC...212 ND...205

OH...211 OK...207 OR...211 PA...214 RI...213

SC...208 SD...204 TN...212 TX...214 UT...203

VT...212 VA...218 WA...212 WV...203 WI...210

WY...204 U.S TERRITORIES& COMMONWEALTHS...201

OUTSIDE THE U.S. ...222

These are the selection index qalifying scores for the 1999 Merit Program, the PSAT/NM

By Sascha (Sascha) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 03:56 pm: Edit

If you attend boarding school out of state, is the cut-off state your parents' residence or the place you take the test? Thanks

By Momof2 (Momof2) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 04:14 pm: Edit

Good question - my bet is the state in which you are tested.

By Chaoticsheath (Chaoticsheath) on Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 07:44 pm: Edit

based on that list..........im moving to mass.

By Baseballtwin86 (Baseballtwin86) on Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 09:07 pm: Edit

Thats Mississippi

By Purgeofdoors (Purgeofdoors) on Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 10:15 pm: Edit

Gah! That list makes Louisiana look like it is losing the competition with its Southern brethren for having the worst US public schools.

Pity my chances for pity.

By Avalon87 (Avalon87) on Saturday, August 09, 2003 - 11:58 pm: Edit

So, all in all, tell me ABOUT what scores you need to get on the PSAT to get these scholarships...

By Ooga (Ooga) on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 03:03 pm: Edit

... I had a 235. Am I to assume from these posts that I will probably make semi this year? Clarification would be great.. All these numbers are so confusing!

By Dolce (Dolce) on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 04:07 pm: Edit

I'm not sure what part is confusing to you. Each state has its own cut-off, so just look up your states cut-off. (although these do vary year by year). And yes, you can rest assured that a 235 is high enough in ANY state to make semi-finalist. Then you just need to do the paperwork, essay, and get the recommendation to be almost assured of proceeding to finalist status.

By Ooga (Ooga) on Friday, August 29, 2003 - 09:10 pm: Edit

thank you dolce! hehe. this shows that test scores do not account for things like common sense ~ x D

By Redgrail (Redgrail) on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 04:50 pm: Edit

"outside the US"?

Can international students get a NM scholarship just by taking the PSAT/NMSQT?

By Redgrail (Redgrail) on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 04:50 pm: Edit

"outside the US"?

Can international students get a NM scholarship just by taking the PSAT/NMSQT?

By Geniusash (Geniusash) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 01:30 am: Edit

I hate this program so much, why do they make it so hard for people to figure things out? I've called them at least 6 times, not to mention searching their entire website, it has no good info. Wouldn't you think they would publish some hard stats? Oh well, 1 more week and I won't have to worry about it, for now, grrrrrrrrrrrr.

By Tennizpro06 (Tennizpro06) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 02:22 pm: Edit

Wait.. I heard scores were based on your city or something, not your state. I happen to know that if that state thing's true, MN's wasn't 214. Our counselor told us that it hovered around 210-212 during the past few years.

By Redgrail (Redgrail) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 02:27 pm: Edit

Again I feel compelled to ask:

Can an international student receive a NM scholarship by taking the PSAT/NMSQT?

Thank you.

By Mstee (Mstee) on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 12:32 pm: Edit

I'm new to this board. I have a son in Cal. who is a national merit semi-finalist. He will not qualify for need-based aid, and merit is shaky too because his grades are not outstanding--in the 3.4 to 3.5 range (don't know exactly). Has great SAT scores and SATII, though. He is a math/computer whiz. He does love history and writing also, but does not excel there. My question is this. Which schools are more like to offer national merit scholarships? Is there a strategy to this?

By Geniusash (Geniusash) on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 05:40 pm: Edit

Check post on "full tuition for NM finalists" I believe it says in the packet you recieve also...(I haven't gotten mine yet)
Ivies don't give them. Lots offer 2000 a year some 5-7000,

By Dolce (Dolce) on Saturday, September 20, 2003 - 09:53 pm: Edit

Does anyone know if Univ Oklahoma still gives full scholarships to National Merit Finalists? On the website, the page that talks about this says it's for 2002. The application/brochure that came in the mail today does not mention any such thing in the section about scholarships. I know that Ball State used to give automatic full ride plus laptop and printer to NMF's, but not anymore. And I think it's Kansas that discontinued their automatic full rides. It seems these automatic full rides for NMF's are getting very scarce. Are there some that are still current?

By Mstee (Mstee) on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 12:59 am: Edit

We got mail from University of Tulsa and University of Houston--both still offer full rides to NMF's.

By Momof2 (Momof2) on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 10:33 am: Edit

Dolce - yes, they do. My son just enrolled under the '03-'04 package. The regents did not vote on their tuition increase until August, so the website did not get updated. OU enrolled 172 new NM Finalists as freshmen this year.

I can't tell you the exact numbers, but the scholarship value has increased on the out-of-state tuition waiver. Of course, in-state tuition increased, also, so if the student takes a lot of hours he will exceed their semester scholarship allotment. Still not a bad deal at all. They will consider revising the scholarship numbers during this year, but who knows how long that will take. If you have any other questions, I'll try to help. So far, the NM office and the Honors College have made a favorable impression on our family.

By Lefty (Lefty) on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 10:42 am: Edit

The University of Kansas offers tuition for 15 credit hours each semester, all books and fees and a housing stipend equal to the cost of living in a scholarship hall.

Basically it is a full-ride. The only expenses a student would have is tuition above 15 credit hours and a little housing if a student lives someplace more expensive than a scholarship hall.

By Over30 (Over30) on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 01:02 pm: Edit

Dolce - yes, I just spoke to the national merit office at the Univ. of Oklahoma. They do still offer a full ride, and are in the process of updating their website. E-mail them and let them know you're interested. They have 170 national merit finalists in this freshman class, from 36 states. Good luck.

By Wildrockangel06 (Wildrockangel06) on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 03:51 pm: Edit

If you get choosen for a scholarship but havent taken my sat or act tests yet and the scholarship says dont send this in until you have your scores, will they wait 3 more years to get my scholarship?

By Nathalie26 (Nathalie26) on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 04:24 pm: Edit

darnit .. massachusetts hase one of the highest cutoff rates. wish i lived in arkansas or somewhere.

By Ellemenope (Ellemenope) on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 02:39 am: Edit

Redgrail--regarding whether international students can become national merit scholars by taking the PSAT--

There is a citizenship requirement to becoming a National Merit Finalist:

You either have to be a US citizen;or

have your green card and explain your plans of becoming a US citizen, including the date you will apply for citizenship; or

have applied for your green card and intend to become a US citizen.

By Wisconsinguy (Wisconsinguy) on Friday, September 26, 2003 - 05:33 pm: Edit

I see in a few places above that "8,000 people" become National Merit Scholars. This is incorrect. There are only 2500 National Merit Scholars, all with $2500 scholarships funded by the NMSC. Students who receive these scholarships are the best of the best, the "most likely to succeed," if you will, in each state. Students who receive the college-sponsored or corporation-sponsored scholarships ARE NOT National Merit Scholars, their designation is Merit Scholar. While it may seem trivial, those of us who are true National Merit Scholars know, and we'd like to spread this knowledge.

Sorry if that sounded arrogant or anything, I tried several times to rephrase it, but it still isn't working to my satisfaction.

By Medusa2003 (Medusa2003) on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 10:47 am: Edit

UNIVERISTY OF KANSAS ONLY GIVES FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO KANSAS RESIDENT NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS - Starting in the Fall of 2003 only Kansas resident National Merit Finalists are offered full ride scholarships. Out of state NM finalists get $5,000 which is less than a third of the cost of attendance.

By Gfloyd (Gfloyd) on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 11:54 pm: Edit

How do you find out the cut offs for each state? How is DC considered?

By Devyjean (Devyjean) on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 08:30 pm: Edit

Do you know what the cutoff score was this year for "commended" in Texas?

By Shennie (Shennie) on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 01:53 pm: Edit

Devyjean - For commended, there is no state cutoff. Anyone who scores 200 or above is Commended no matter where they live.

By Slin (Slin) on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 12:29 am: Edit

Any help on this is appreciated, because this is all so confusing!
If I get selected as a National Merit Scholar with $2500, do I have to take that one-time payoff? The only reason I'm asking is that Calvin College (Christian college in Michigan) offers $8500 per year to National Merit Finalists who put it as their first choice. I'm not sure if I want to attend Calvin, so what's my best choice? I don't qualify for corporate scholarships, and as of yet, my first choice college is still "Undecided."

By Wisconsinguy (Wisconsinguy) on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 07:59 am: Edit

Go for the one-time scholarship. Most schools (I'd suspect Calvin as well, though am not sure), will still give you the money if you become a National Merit Scholar. They'll extend the award. Check with the school, however.

By Bee (Bee) on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 11:47 pm: Edit

I thought the National Merit materials said that you could only receive the $2500 award OR a college award OR a corporate award.

How is it possible to get two of these?

By Wisconsinguy (Wisconsinguy) on Saturday, November 01, 2003 - 12:38 pm: Edit

Technically, that's correct. But most schools don't want their best students (the National Merit Scholars) to get more than college-sponsored scholarship recipients. So, many schools will count the NMSC funds as the first year of a college-sponsored scholarship, then add on from their. For example, Carleton College will accept your $2500 NMSC money, and then give you $2000 (its college-sponsored award) for the remaining three years.

By Bayohombre (Bayohombre) on Saturday, November 01, 2003 - 09:47 pm: Edit

I've recently heard that Ball State has discontinued their full ride for finalists. Is there any source to check this out? The BSU website doesn't mention anything. I know the discontinued the free computer/printer deal they previously offered.

By Dolce (Dolce) on Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 01:47 pm: Edit

I know for a fact that BSU discontinued their automatic full rides for NM finalists. On one of our visits there, the Dean of Admissions wanted to meet with our son, and he was the one who told me that for this year's freshmen it was not offered. (due to their endowments decreasing in value, due to the whole stock market mess). I have since called and asked if it looks like they will reinstate full rides for next year's freshmen, and the answer was no. However, any student admitted to the BSU Honors College (which any NMF would be) automatically gets half tuition, plus there are other scholarships, up to full ride, which can be competed for. Limited number though, not like the automatic ones used to be. If you're from Indiana, I think Purdue gives almost full rides to NMF's. My son got a letter from Purdue (he hadn't even applied there) and they have offered him full tuition for being NMF, plus the NMF scholarship of $1000 (or maybe it was $2000?), plus $2000 for something else, so I think it would only leave about $3000 we'd need to come up with toward the balance of his room and board. But I think this is only for Indiana residents.

By Vsage3 (Vsage3) on Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 06:35 pm: Edit

I love the fact that southern schools have the lowest cutoffs of the other states. It really is a reflection of the quality of schooling. I'm National Merit semi from FL and am currently thanking FL's governor for failing the education system.

By Oldster (Oldster) on Thursday, November 06, 2003 - 07:39 am: Edit

Every school that administers the PSAT receives a booklet in September that lists all the semi-finalists by state, it also lists the cut-offs. Your counselor should have access to this booklet. Having said that, those would be numbers for the year before, and numbers have been on the rise.

By Dragonsong (Dragonsong) on Thursday, November 06, 2003 - 10:51 pm: Edit

How do we send our SAT scores to the National Merit place online?

By Folk_Hero (Folk_Hero) on Friday, November 07, 2003 - 12:21 am: Edit

NMSC has a special number just like a college. you can go to send scores on the website and search for it.

By Gabebabe68 (Gabebabe68) on Thursday, December 11, 2003 - 10:01 am: Edit

does any1 kno the current 2003 psat selection index for nj ? my score was 214 i know i missed it but i was jwing

By Gabebabe68 (Gabebabe68) on Thursday, December 11, 2003 - 10:01 am: Edit

does any1 kno the current 2003 psat selection index for nj ? my score was 214 i know i missed it but i was jwing

By Msg (Msg) on Thursday, December 11, 2003 - 05:15 pm: Edit

Is there an easy way to find out which colleges offer significant awards (full or half tuition vs say, $500) automatically to National Merit Finalists? My son is a semi-finalist and has received materials from some of these schools but there are probably others out there that he would consider if he knew it was likely that he'd get a full or half-ride.

By Slugjat (Slugjat) on Friday, December 12, 2003 - 12:49 am: Edit

Would a 208 in AZ qualify?

By Pstringer (Pstringer) on Friday, December 12, 2003 - 05:59 pm: Edit

My son got his scores today - a 213 in OH. If he is a semi finalist, what sort of academic grade would he need to be considered for a finalist? His GPA is 2.67. Is that good enough?

By Bmurry (Bmurry) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 11:55 pm: Edit

15000 of the 16000 semi finalists make it to finalist.

Make sure he follows up with a strong SAT. You can also call the nationa merit ppl and ask what Ohio's cut off's were for the last few years. They usually do not vary THAT much and you will get a better idea of if he might make it.

By Anxiousmom (Anxiousmom) on Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 08:19 pm: Edit

University of Florida offers out-of-state NM finalists an out-of-state tuition waiver plus $9500. a year, plus a one-time $2000. study abroad or research grant. Since in-state tuition is less than 3000. a year, this amount pretty much covers tuition, room and board for 4 years. Pretty sweet deal, and the school is coming up in the rankings. New College of Florida also offers the out-of-state waiver plus $7500. It's tempting for us as parents, but I don't know if daughter wants to go to such a big school(UF).

By Tedie (Tedie) on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 12:27 am: Edit

Does anyone know the 2003 NMSQT semi finalist cut off for Illinois? How about the 2002 or the 2001 or the 2000? I am curious to know if they have gone up since 1999

By Tomman87 (Tomman87) on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 05:35 pm: Edit

i am a junior in FL who just recently got my test scores back and i got a 212 index. with the rising population in FL and the bad educational status, i think theres a chance i might make the cut off based on the 1999 cut-offs. I would like some opinions on my chances and it would be helpfull to know the 2001 and 2002 cutoffs. The pathetic thing is one math question which i incorrectly filled might cost me the scholarships

By Vigo (Vigo) on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 08:41 pm: Edit

The cutoff for Florida this year was 214.

By Tomman87 (Tomman87) on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 08:50 pm: Edit

for Florida this year do you mean 2002, because i thought 2003 didn't come out until september 04

By Vigo (Vigo) on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 10:09 pm: Edit

Well, I guess I do mean 2002. The test was taken in Oct. 2002. Sorry.

By Nlkrueger (Nlkrueger) on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - 10:31 pm: Edit

Anyone have knowledge of the cut-off score for Texas? Still hoping that a 215 will make it...

By Tomman87 (Tomman87) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 07:15 pm: Edit

you have a good chance considering its usually around 214

By Tomman87 (Tomman87) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 07:19 pm: Edit

hey if anyone at all thinks a 212 has got a shot in FL write plz

By Medusa2003 (Medusa2003) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 08:20 pm: Edit

212 in FL is definitely borderline. You won't find out until late August or September if you made it. Good luck.

By Scion (Scion) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 11:20 pm: Edit

whats the essay about?

By Anxiousmom (Anxiousmom) on Friday, December 19, 2003 - 06:58 pm: Edit

The cutoff for Texas this year was 216. It's possible it will drop back to 215 next year. There was a problem with one question on the test that they deleted, then rescored all Tuesday test takers. They used the cutoffs set before that though to award SF status - so nobody lost out w/ the bad question problem.

By Gymnasium1 (Gymnasium1) on Friday, December 19, 2003 - 09:20 pm: Edit

I only wish my highschool stressed the PSATs more...I thought they were exactly that: practice...now it turns out I'll be missing out on some much needed money...If I had known, I would've tried...oh well...typical I guess.

By Beenthereil (Beenthereil) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 07:13 pm: Edit

pstringer...Nice score for this year and the score would have qualified for Semi-finalist status in 2003.

The problem your son has is his gpa.

A 2.67...He won't have a chance to advance.

They likely will consider the score an "aberration" in light of his gpa.

By Brettjrob (Brettjrob) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 12:17 am: Edit

I'm in Virginia and just received my Oct 2003 PSAT back a few days ago... it was a 225. Am I correct in assuming this should definitely qualify me as Semi-finalist, or is that score borderline for my state?

I would also like to know more about the details of the application process for Finalist, as it sounds like it's somewhat complex. What is covered on the application other than your academic record? I have a 4.2 GPA which would probably be sufficient, but how much will extracurricular activities come into play?

Thanks in advance for any info.

By Dolce (Dolce) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 03:09 pm: Edit

Brett, 225 should be high enough in any state (I'm thinking the highest in any state has been 222--someone correct me if I'm wrong). No, the app process for finalist is really not that complicated. My son filled his out fairly quickly. There is an essay, but I don't think it's judged as harshly as, say, Ivy schools considering someone for admission. 90% of all semifinalists go on to become finalists. I'm told that if you bother to fill out the paperwork (some don't; maybe they just don't need the scholarships) and your GPA and SAT substantiates your high PSAT, then you'll make it. I've heard that low 1300's should be good enough for your SAT, although most semi-finalists do much better than that. My son is a semifinalist from the Oct 2002 PSAT--we've always assumed he'd make it to finalist (based on what I've learned here). Hope that's true!!

By Kiwanis04 (Kiwanis04) on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 07:52 pm: Edit

How could I get my semifinalist I.D.# needed to complete the "first choice college change" form?? U of North Texas only sends applications for their full tuition scholarship to people who list them as their first choice...
And by the way, do any of you know if Florida State gives any money for National Merit?

By Strick (Strick) on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 11:21 am: Edit

Kiwanis04, did you contact UNT for an app? I'd be surprised they'd have trouble sending you one if if you listed your top school as "undecided". That's something several folks here have recommended, at least until you know which schools you're accepted to or show the most money.

By Cameronkrazi33 (Cameronkrazi33) on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 12:31 pm: Edit

Hey...
I'm a junior now and got my PSAT scores back a month or so ago; my index score was 218 and I live in Virginia. I am wondering whether that is high enough to make semi-finalist. Does anyone know what the Virginia average cut-off score is? Thanks a lot.