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Does anyone have a cite for a list of states and NMSF cutoffs for last year? Also, is it correct that the cutoff for commended status is NATIONAL, and thus the same for all states (and usually around 200 index)? Thanks.

By Suzeee on Sunday, December 16, 2001 - 08:11 pm: Edit

What's the NSMF?

By Dave Berry on Monday, December 17, 2001 - 10:05 am: Edit

More properly, it's the NMSC, which stands for National Merit Scholarship Corporation. You can read about program details on their site, although info about cutoff scores is strangely vague and very hard to find, even when using a search engine. I haven't been able to find a list of state cutoffs yet myself.

By California Mom (Calmom) on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 - 03:09 am: Edit

Well Dave, you have a website - why don't you compile your own list? Just ask people who know to post the cut offs from the previous year - and then in September you can replace it with current cut offs. As soon as word gets out that College Confidential has a list compiled, your hits will mount!

You can put a simple form on the page for people to submit information as they learn it, that includes a place for them to tell you how they know and a return email for you to verify the information.

Anyway, you can put a prominent disclaimer on your page saying that the list is NOT official, so you don't get in trouble if a mistake is made.

Just to help you get started:
California last year was 216, and I know that it has been 216 in several past years as well (but I don't know how many or how long).

By Dave Berry on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 - 12:05 pm: Edit

I'll suggest that to our Webmaster, Calmom, as soon as he gets back from his vacation in Bora Bora. He's a good example of why a tech background pays off. He goes to Bora Bora for a good time and I ("Mister Liberal Arts") can't even afford to go to TORA Bora!

By Rhonda on Friday, January 04, 2002 - 07:52 am: Edit

Can anyone confirm that the commended cutoff is national, not state by state? And usually falls at about 200?

By scott on Monday, January 14, 2002 - 11:25 pm: Edit

Usually falls about 215, I don't know if it is state to state or national

By Rhonda on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 - 11:34 am: Edit

But isn't the semi-finalist cutoff lower than 215 in some states? how could the commended cutoff, if it is in fact national, be higher?

By Alex Nagelschneider on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 - 08:06 pm: Edit

I live in Oklahoma and the cutoff last year was 207. The commended score is not 215, that is way to high, it is more like 200, and I think it is state, not national, but i could be wrong. That is my best guess from all the info I have read.

By sgandhi on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 12:01 pm: Edit

I did some research, and I found that the NMSC awards (commended, semi-finalist) are given by State (i.e. a person competes only with others in his/her own State for the NMSC awards). In addition, the cutoff scores for each State depends on how competitive the students are in that State. For example, states such as Massachusetts, Texas, New York, California, or Florida, which have large populations, generally have higher cutoff scores than smaller, less competitive States such as Montana, Alaska, or Idaho. In short, it's harder to get an award in a large State than in a small State.

By joanne t (Joanne0012) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 12:47 pm: Edit

Hmm, do you have a citation for that? I'm pretty sure that the Commended cutoff score is national and is usually around 200.

In Massachusetts, the cutoff score for finalists has been as high as 222 recently.

By BT,DT on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 04:07 pm: Edit

I think you're right, Joanne, commended cutoff is usually aroound 200.

By sgandhi on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 06:49 pm: Edit

I will clarify my answer for you, Joanne. From the NMSC website (www.nationalmerit.org)...

"...more than two-thirds or about 34,000 of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQTTM will receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise..."

So, for a person to receive a Commended Scholar Award, he or she has to be in the top 50,000 students in the country. However, for the Semifinalist awards, the decision is by State. Again, from the NMSC website...

"To ensure that academically able young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, Semifinalists are designated on a state representational basis."

The cutoff for Commended is usually around 200, but the cutoff for Semifinalist changes from State to State. In my case (Michigan), for the 2001 PSAT Exam, the cutoff was 210.

By YO on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 - 10:34 pm: Edit

If u get a brochure from a college because of your PSAT scores (I've been getting a lot since I've taken it with many of them saying "your psat scores are match for here"). I was wondering if that increases your chances when you apply there...

By Dadster on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 - 10:51 pm: Edit

A letter like that means pretty much what it says - your PSAT score indicates that your SAT score may fall within the range that the college admits. Lots of colleges use PSAT scores as a marketing tool. The letter was spit out by a computer and doesn't mean too much. To determine your chances, you'll have to look at the whole picture - actual SAT ranges, GPA, EC expectations.

There was a thread here a while ago about how some top schools give applicants false hopes with these marketing letters. Naive students interpret a letter from Harvard saying they should consider applying as an indication of serious interest on Harvard's part. In many cases, these letters serve mostly to pump up the application totals.

By BilalF on Thursday, July 18, 2002 - 10:43 am: Edit

The National Merit Semi-Finalist cutoff last year in Kansas was 211.

By NYmom on Thursday, July 18, 2002 - 02:55 pm: Edit

I think the cutoff for the top 50,000 (and, therefore, at least commended) is the closer to the 200 figure, that being national. Then, after that, I believe semifinalist status is determined by each individual state's scores. Therefore, the numbers are different.

By the way, does anyone know if listing a school with the NMSC's College Plans Reporting Service makes one any more attractive to a school?

By Allen Greenberg on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 03:01 pm: Edit

For the last three years in Maryland, the National Merit semi-finalist cutoff number have been:
1999 218
2000 220
2001 222

By Hilsdad (Hilsdad) on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 06:11 pm: Edit

Anyone else out there with state Natl. Merit cutoff info? I'd be particularly interested in CT info, if anyone out there knows. Thx.

By TXmom on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 03:57 pm: Edit

If anyone has the most recent Texas cutoff, I would surely appreciate your posting it. Thanks.

By PlanoDad on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 01:07 pm: Edit

The cutoff for Texas last year was 215. This was for the test administered in 2000. We won't get the cutoff score for the test administered in 2001 until about mid-September. That is the score that determines if the 2002-2003 year seniors make National Merit semi-finalist or not.

By TXtoo on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 05:50 pm: Edit

Ummm, not to be dense, but was 215 in or out? Thanks.

By nimade on Saturday, August 24, 2002 - 11:40 pm: Edit

Why can't the NMSC publish PSAT cutoff scores for the last several years for each State on their website? Why do we have to go searching for them? Why is NMSC so secretive about this? Anyone knows?

By NYmom on Sunday, August 25, 2002 - 04:26 pm: Edit

Nimade, that's an excellent question. I'll venture an answer...this is truly only a guess, of course. Maybe it has to do with the difference in cutoff scores. One state may have a cutoff of 207, while another might have a cutoff of 222. Imagine if you were in the 222 state and had 221 and became a commended scholar. Then you learn of someone in the 207 state, who got 207 or 208 and became a National Merit Finalist. And then, further, learned they got big bucks from some university, and you didn't. I mean, eventually people can find these things out...most won't bother, and why make it easy? Just a thought.

By Nymom on Sunday, August 25, 2002 - 04:27 pm: Edit

Txtoo, I believe it would mean 215 is in.

By PlanoDad on Monday, August 26, 2002 - 12:04 pm: Edit

Yes, that is correct. 215 was National Merit semifinalist for Texas students who graduated in May 2003.

By nimade on Monday, August 26, 2002 - 05:23 pm: Edit

Well, it is common knowledge that cutoff score is by state. You are really competing with kids within your state...If you compare kids from all states you are bound to have someone becoming National Merit Finalist with a lower cutoff score...One other thing I find annoying with NMSC is they don't have an email address. You have to call them long distance. You might not get someone who could answer your questions. Anyway, I believe NMSC needs to make some fundamental changes to be a little more open and friendly to people who want to know more about this scholarship and process. After all, why should we speculate, etc.

By Donna Haynie on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 09:25 am: Edit

I agree with Nimade about the NMSC. I have learned more on college webites and discussion boards about the National Merit process than from the NMSC. They act like everything is a big secret. Did Dave Berry put the cut offs on his website? Anyone know about Arkansas cut offs last year? Thanks...

By txtoo on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 03:31 pm: Edit

I can now state for sure that 215 is "in" for Semi-Finalist in Texas again this year - my son received his letter today. Thank God - literally!

By NYmom on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 04:13 pm: Edit

Txtoo, congratulations to your son!!! Hopefully, others will report in with their state's results.

By sheesh on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 07:31 pm: Edit

Whoa....Txtoo, i think ur priorities are out of line, thanking God for a test score, what has happened to us...there are people in other places of the world dying and were praising the Lord for a number...please

By txtoo on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 08:56 am: Edit

I'm really sorry if I offended anyone. In our family, we thank God for every good thing that comes our way - including good grades, good medical checkups and a loving and supportive family. It wasn't intended as a joke.

By sgandhi on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 11:08 am: Edit

Is there any news on the NMSC cutoffs for Michigan this year?

By NYmom on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 11:17 am: Edit

Sqandhi, someone on the PR board said a friend who had 220 got it...but no word on the definite cutoff.

By Donna Lynn on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 02:48 pm: Edit

txtoo - did your son's letter come to your house or the school? Congrats! Our family thanks God for all blessings too. We are waiting to hear...

By txtoo on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 03:34 pm: Edit

Thanks for the kind words. It came to the office in a really large envelope marked "National Merit" and "To be opened only by High School Principal". He brought it to my son during class!It is supposed to be confidential until Sept. 18th, but of course everyone in the office knew what it was. We are a small school so they knew who it was for, too. I know the notifications have not reached some cities in TX yet. Good luck to you and yours.

By PlanoDad on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 05:16 pm: Edit

Question for txtoo: you mentioned a 215 was IN for Texas this year. Is that the cutoff, or are you saying your child had a 215 and was selected as a semi-finalist without knowing the actual cutoff number?

By Monte LaMont on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 06:35 pm: Edit

We live in Oklahoma. My son, who got a 208 on the PSAT, was informed today he made the cut off. (He was told to keep it quiet until September 18th too.

By Nathan Iyer on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 07:36 pm: Edit

I am just curious anybody knows the cut off score for California.

By Jennabean on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 10:10 am: Edit

Anyone know about Florida?

By Donna Lynn on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 11:56 am: Edit

My daughter made it! She was one of two in her school (in Arkansas) and the second person made a 202, so the cutoff in AR is around there or below.

By NYmom on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 01:10 pm: Edit

Donna Lynn, congrats to your daughter. This is such fun, watching these reports come in.

By Calmom (Calmom) on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 07:38 pm: Edit

On California: don't know for this year, but in the past it has usually been 216.

By NYmom on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 08:22 pm: Edit

Apparently, 218 makes it in California this year. (The actual cutoff may be lower).

By Bries (Bries) on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 11:09 am: Edit

Does anyone know the cut off score for Wisconsin?

By Jog on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 05:41 pm: Edit

What about Kansas?

By txtoo on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 10:23 pm: Edit

Sorry, I was away for the holiday. All I know is that my son's 215 was IN for Texas. He was the only one in our school, so I have no further information. I have a couple of counselor friends in a larger town, however.... I'll report any findings.

By PlanoDad on Wednesday, September 04, 2002 - 12:39 pm: Edit

Thanks TxToo. My daughter's school does not notify the students until the designated date. My daughter made a 214 so we know she is "on the bubble." Last year the cutoff for semi-finalists in Texas was 215, but it can vary a few points. At least I know the new cutoff is not higher than 215.

I'll be watching to see if you receive any information.

By psychokat256 on Wednesday, September 04, 2002 - 11:49 pm: Edit

Does anyone know the cutoff for tennessee this year?

By txtoo on Thursday, September 05, 2002 - 09:18 am: Edit

Good luck, PlanoDad. We thought we were on the bubble, too, with a 215, so I know how you must feel. Hang in there!

By germantown on Thursday, September 05, 2002 - 10:36 am: Edit

I was told the Tennessee cutoff is 215.

By psychokat256 on Thursday, September 05, 2002 - 11:10 pm: Edit

Are you absolutely sure about that?

By Big Tx on Thursday, September 05, 2002 - 11:59 pm: Edit

Texas cutoff this year is 215

By Hilsdad on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 12:21 am: Edit

Connecticut cutoff is around 219 per our daughter(220) who received word today at her school. Yea!

By germantown on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 09:11 am: Edit

Tennessee cutoff: we had heard 215 from a college counselor at one school last week, and then heard it again from a semi-finalist meeting at our child's school. Haven't seen it in print, but this is what we have heard from two different sources. Second year in a row Tennessee was 215, which is considered high for Tennessee.

By nimade on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 12:48 pm: Edit

Anyone interested in gathering this year's PSAT cutoff's for a table similar the one below?

So far, we have CA - 215, TX -215, TN -215, and CT -219.


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/NMSQT taken Oct. 1997.

By nycmom03 on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 01:05 pm: Edit

My son got in with a 217 in New York. Not sure what the actual cutoff is.

By Dallas Zhang on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 11:03 am: Edit

Were PSAT cut-offs for all states released? Where can I check the cutoffs!

By Dallasdad on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 11:07 am: Edit

Were PSAT cut-offs for all states released? Where can I check the cutoffs!

By Caldad on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 01:08 pm: Edit

Were PSAT cut-offs for all states released? Where can I check the cutoffs! Is it supposed to be released yesterday?

By txtoo on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 02:05 pm: Edit

As far as we know, there is no central posting for all the state cutoff scores - that's what we've been doing here, unofficially. I don't think even school counselors have access to this information for other states. Yes, September 18 was the official release date.

By dallasdad on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 11:33 am: Edit

How can I know the cutoff of Texas? Are those who have not heard anything yet are out of the game?

By monica on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 04:01 pm: Edit

i live in texas. the semifinalist cutoff is 215. i do not know the commended score but that doesn't mean you're out of the game - my councelors just now confirmed it by giving me my application packet but it's been out for weeks.

By txtoo on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 04:44 pm: Edit

How odd! We are in Texas, too and our completed application was due BACK at the school by September 13th. According to my son's letter, the final application (with the school's part) must be mailed back to NM by October 11th, if I remember correctly. Just be sure your school gets everything in on time. Good luck.

By monica on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 09:38 pm: Edit

yup, that's right. my councelors were apparently waiting for a day when they, the assistant principals, and our principal could get together in one room (it took them WEEKS) and announce it to myself and one other girl "formally" ;)

nevermind the 13 college applications i have floating around my desk as well .. they put together a reception and arranged for us to be introduced at some football game ... i think they must get a lot of state funding or something for national merit semifinalists!

By Dadster on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 10:29 pm: Edit

That's great, Monica. Too many schools have giant award ceremonies for athletics (at which the most minor accomplishments are lauded), but barely mention National Merit winners, successful Ivy League Applicants, and academic competition winners. Congrats to you and your school!

By monica on Saturday, September 21, 2002 - 02:28 am: Edit

i never thought to look at it that way!

thanks

By Caldad on Saturday, September 21, 2002 - 01:57 pm: Edit

Officially, my son is in with a score of 215 in CA. I read that names of semi-finalists were released to news media. Anyone konws where to find the entire list of semi-finalists?

By txtoo on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 10:16 pm: Edit

Congrats, Monica! Really! At our school, Nat'l Merit Semifinalists do not "merit" a mention in the school annual...althought the district competitors for FFA (calves and lambs) do get their own page. Oh, well........

By sgandhi on Monday, September 23, 2002 - 09:58 pm: Edit

In Michigan, I was named a semifinalist with a score of 213.

By Flounder on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 12:17 am: Edit

Does anyone know if you can become a Finalist if there are any C's on your transcript...everything else (EC's, scores, recs, etc.) being very good?

By Highlander2000 (Highlander2000) on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 12:26 pm: Edit

flounder, you might be able to. It depends if you are recently in a slump or if you have shown improvement since making the c's.

PSAT scores' cut-off point for determining semifinalist are calculated annually on a statewide basis, not a national scale.

The cutoff point for becoming semifinalist is usually above 200. It could be 202, 205, even 210 - just depends on how well all students tested in a given state.

Once you become a semifinalist, the PSAT score is not really relevant in becoming a finalist. Instead you fill out an application proving your academic merit. Nearly all semifinalists become finalists - National Merit estimates 15000 of 16000 semifinalists become finalists.

The next step is National merit scholar after finalist. This depends on your college choice, academic merit, and if your parent work for a major corporation/company. about 8000 students get scholarships.

txtoo, in reference to your last remark, i'm sorry to hear that. Some high schools just don't appreciate their students' abilities. School isn't a business, and it shouldn't involve politics in the actual education. Too bad

By Highlander2000 (Highlander2000) on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 12:42 pm: Edit

Commended student cutoff may or may not be nationalized. But i know a student with a 193 that got commended a year or 2 ago. A score of about 200 should suffice

By dallasite on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 03:52 pm: Edit

I am confused.

If the cut-offs are diffeerent from state to state, are students competing for National Merit Scholar or State Merit Scholar?

By txtoo on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 04:58 pm: Edit

I believe the cutoff is national for Commended Students. After that, Semifinalists are the top-ranked students in each State, so the cutoff scores vary from state to state. It is my understanding that once you make Semifinalist, the scores are ignored and the Finalist designation is based on the application info. Does that sound correct to everyone?

By tamade on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 06:33 pm: Edit

highlander2000, "This depends on your college choice, academic merit, and if your parent work for a major corporation/company. about 8000 students get scholarships." Does this mean you are not one of the 8000 if your first choice is a college that does not sponsor nm or your parents do not work for a major corp/company even though you have stellar academic record, high scores, etc...?

By jop on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 09:34 pm: Edit

My friend got a 195 but didn't get commended so I think 200 is the one for commendation

By Highlander2000 (Highlander2000) on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 - 09:24 am: Edit

tamade:
Yes those factors could play a big part in your scholarship quest. You might qualify for the NMSC's scholarship of $2500. Also, just ask your prospective college for more info. They might sponsor you.
Otherwise, i'm not sure what goes on in those National merit guys' minds.

By jessica on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 - 10:26 pm: Edit

It's not fair that the cut-off is by state. I live in MA, and got a 222, which just made it. I think the cut-offs need to be national... after all we do take the same test.

By bertho on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 - 11:56 pm: Edit

alabama was 209 in 2002 and 207 in 2001

By Calmom (Calmom) on Thursday, September 26, 2002 - 12:25 am: Edit

Jessica,
it's not "fair" that you get to go to school in MA while other kids are stuck attending school in Alabama. Would you like to trade schools with some kid in Alabama or Mississippi for a few years, preferably grades 6-11, so that you can take the PSAT with the benefit of the education that those kids receive?

By dalasite on Thursday, September 26, 2002 - 10:43 am: Edit

Jessica, I aggree with you. To make it fair, it should not be called 'NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR', but instead, 'STATE MERIT SCHOLAR'.

By TulsaEd on Thursday, September 26, 2002 - 10:20 pm: Edit

Jessica, dalasite, it's all about sponsorship. This program operates without government assistance. The corporations, colleges and individuals that sponsor the National Merit Scholarship program are not localized in only the states with the highest PSAT scores. These sponsors are spread throughout the country and, of course, they want students in their communities to have a chance to be National Merit Scholars. The National Merit Scholarship program would probably not exist if the majority of the scholarships were awarded to students in only a few states.

By Medusa2003 (Medusa2003) on Tuesday, October 01, 2002 - 01:05 am: Edit

We were told by a high school counselor from a school with 20-25 National Merit semifinalists each year that the most common reason for students failing to achieve Finalist status was mediocre grades ( below a B average ). Other disqualifying factors that I have heard mentioned are the refusal of a principal to endorse a student with serious disciplinary problems (drugs, dishonesty, etc.) I'm not sure how much of a factor SAT scores, essays, and EC's are in the decision making process.

Our daughter was notified at the end of August by
her school about her semifinalist status but was told not to tell anyone until after the official announcement date of September 18. Since she had
gotten a 236 on the PSAT, there wasn't a great deal of suspense. However, the almost year delay from taking the PSAT until semifinalists are announced must be nervewracking for students (and their parents) whose scores are close to the historical cut-offs for their state.

By Jared Swanson on Tuesday, October 01, 2002 - 05:31 pm: Edit

I'm a senior in highschool in Hawaii and I just recieved word that I am a National Merit Commended scholar. I was wondering if colleges/universities even care if you receive recognition for National Merit Commended status? Does it help your chances of getting in? Thanks!

By KB Slater on Wednesday, October 02, 2002 - 08:46 am: Edit

What is New York cut-off?

By allen greenberg on Thursday, October 03, 2002 - 10:13 am: Edit

2002 N.M semi finalists cutoffs:

Maryland 220
Virginia 220
D.C. 221

The only N.M. semifinalist I know who didn't make finalist had a dismal semester due to illness.

By semifinalist on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 07:23 am: Edit

Wow, a note to everyone....take a deep breath. Many of the people on this board seem to be living their lives through their children. Please, take up a new hobby, like knitting or sculpture.

If I hadn't made the cutoff for semifinalist, do you know what I'd be doing today? Yes, that's right, the same things I already am doing. It wouldn't have made a huge difference in my life.

So many people look at college as a life-or-death thing. Here's some news: if you don't get into one of the Ivies or Amherst or wherever, it's not the end of the world! I think we all are taking this a bit too seriously. Recommending that people take AP classes without any regard to what the people want to take is a travesty. People should take AP classes because they wish to learn more about the subject, not because they feel it may give them the edge in getting into Prestigious U.

There's my $0.02. I'll step down off the soapbox.

By MomTrying toStaySane on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 01:57 pm: Edit

The semi-finalist cutoff for New York is 216; commended scholar is 200. Just call 847-866-5100 (National Merit Scholarship office) and ask - I did, and got the number in less than a minute from someone very helpful in the Education dept. These numbers are for the PSAT taken in Oct 2001.

By Highlander2000 (Highlander2000) on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 12:43 pm: Edit

semifinalist: I love your comments, especially since I am a high school senior.

Seen "Dead Poets Society" by any chance?
It's a great movie.

By Jerseydad (Jerseydad) on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 06:51 am: Edit

the semifinalist cutoff for NJ for the test taken in Oct 2001 is 221 per the NMSC.

By nccarlin on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 02:55 pm: Edit

Is the psat only offered on one day?

By monica on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 11:24 am: Edit

for juniors, it's offered one day. if you have a conflict that day, you can take it at a make-up test site, which is what i did.

By Ben 07 on Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 03:05 pm: Edit

Does anybody know the hispanic national merit cut off for Texas

By Dallasite on Monday, October 28, 2002 - 01:25 pm: Edit

Does anyone know how many NMSC semi-finalists were from Texas in 2002-2003?

By Don on Tuesday, October 29, 2002 - 10:46 pm: Edit

1249 semi-finalists from 281 schools

By Jane on Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 08:32 pm: Edit

Does anyone know which school in Texas had the most semifinalists?

By bilbo on Sunday, November 03, 2002 - 12:28 am: Edit

I got 235 on the PSAT, and made it!

By DD on Monday, November 04, 2002 - 11:12 am: Edit

Bilbo, Congrats!

BTW, what is ur SAT scores, if you don't mind to tell!

TX!

By Tubbs on Monday, November 04, 2002 - 06:26 pm: Edit

My school had about 15 I think. Up from our 12 last year.

By thebadger_j on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 12:51 pm: Edit

Anyone know where the semifinalist list is posted at? Thanks!

By bilbo on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 12:16 am: Edit

incredulous

By bilbo on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 11:25 pm: Edit

incredulous

By CAD on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 06:09 pm: Edit

bilbo,

Your SAT should be over 1500. Right?

By bilbo on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 12:02 am: Edit

I haven't taken the SAT next, i plan to at the end of my junior year

By monica on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 09:31 am: Edit

hey now. you post at PR.

By senior on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 02:22 pm: Edit

bilbo,

I am confused. Did you take PAST and get 235 in a formal test or in a practice test. Those juniors who took PSAT in October 2002 should not hear anything about their score now. Those who took PSAT in October 2001 are now senior. Acording to your message, you are not higher than junior!?!?!?!

By 240texas1600 on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 08:57 pm: Edit

bilbo must be a sophomore who's graduating early or bilbo might be lying

By Robert Jones on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 01:04 am: Edit

It's totally untrue that Bilbo "might be lying"; he actually IS lying, assuming that he is a junior (which I doubt he would have lied about before). I too took the PSAT in October, and, yes, I will not be aware of results until DECEMBER. Very inappropriate, bilbo.

By bilbo on Sunday, December 01, 2002 - 04:59 pm: Edit

very inappropriate, bilbo

By Hawk (Hawk) on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 10:29 am: Edit

You guys are kind of clueless. Most schools let you take the PSAT as sophomore, and a lot as a freshman...the school chooses to have it count for NMSQT any of the three years that it wants. It is an advantage to do it as sophomores, since you get the finalist information early enough for college-applications.

By mtubbs on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 08:04 pm: Edit

No Hawk, you're wrong.

By bilbo on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 10:46 pm: Edit

No he isn't, but most sophomores and freshman don'tknow they can take it, which is probably why they do not. Very inappropriate, mtubbs.

By Massdad (Massdad) on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 11:12 am: Edit

From the National Merit web site:

When to Take the PSAT/NMSQT ®

* Students who plan to spend four years in high school (grades 9 through 12) before entering college full time must take the PSAT/NMSQT in their third year (grade 11, junior year). They will be entering the competition that ends when awards are offered in the spring of their fourth high school year (grade 12, senior year), the same year they will leave high school and enter college.

Although some schools encourage their sophomores to take the PSAT/NMSQT for guidance purposes, these students must retake the test as juniors to enter NMSC’s competitions if they are spending the usual four years of study in grades 9 through 12.

So, Hawk and bilbo, where do you get YOUR information?

By Massdad (Massdad) on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 11:24 am: Edit

Another thing to consider:

- If WE (on this board) know that qualifying scores vary by state, don't you think admissions folks do, too? So, as a measure of academic capability, they will rely on the SAT scores, not on the NM Finalist designation.

- Some schools are trying to upgrade their academic standing by specifically attracting NM Scholars with financial aid offers. They want to be able to say in marketing materials that they attract large numbers, to imply a higher academic quality. What the marketing materials don't say is that the NM Scholars were specifically recruited and funded by the U. That's why some analysts distinguish between externally funded and school funded scholars.

- As a result, top tier institutions give little emphasis to NM Scholar standing. They focus on SAT, transcript etc., which give a fuller picture of capability, recognizing that a Scholar from Arkansas can have a far lower qualifying score (and lower subsequent SAT scores) than one from Massachusetts.

- Second tier schools, OTOH, may recruit a less well prepared Finalist over a much better prepared Commended student for bragging rights. As a practical matter, both would get in, but one may get non need based scholarship $. Check some school web sites and you'll see what I'm referencing. I can post some links if you're interested.

By mtubbs on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 10:51 pm: Edit

No, he is wrong. It doesn't count towards National Merit Contest. I should know, as I took it as a sophmore, and it came back with the whole thing about whether or not I was elligible for the contest, and it clearly said NO. As it does for everyone who is not in their junior year. Clearly inappropriate, Bilbo.

By ace on Friday, December 06, 2002 - 08:59 pm: Edit

wow, bilbo certainly killed this thread...

By OKDad on Friday, December 06, 2002 - 11:34 pm: Edit

Massdad:
The elite colleges give equal weight to all kids who excelled at challenging themselves with the toughest courses their high schools have to offer; regardless of rather they live in Taxachusetts or Oklahoma.

It’s the kid’s demonstrated attitude and passion toward learning that manners most, not test scores.

By Massdad (Massdad) on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 12:51 am: Edit

OKDad:

you said "It’s the kid’s demonstrated attitude and passion toward learning that manners most, not test scores."

Interesting, as your statement is completely inconsistent with every book published on elite college admissions, unless you consider U of O to be an elite college?

Regarding your Taxachusetts slur, while we pay a 5% sales tax, a fraction of a percent over yours, our income tax rate is 5.3%, about 1.4% LESS than yours. Whose state has the taxes?????

By david on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 02:06 am: Edit

I'm in texas the cut-off this year will probably be 215 as it was last year. The year before i think it was 214..

about commended...200 is pretty much guaranteed (in texas atleast, dunno if nat or not)...usu varies like 197-200

about nat merit, that goes by region I think arkansas is lowest with like 207....

By twymore1 on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 05:03 pm: Edit

I'm a dad in Wisconsin. Any clue on when the October, 2002, PSAT scores will be released to the test-takers?

By trackman on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 05:20 pm: Edit

argh!!I want my scores back!!!!!!

By hi on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 05:59 pm: Edit

probably this tuesday or wednesday

By AHh on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 06:45 pm: Edit

what does it mean to "qualify to be a National merit scholar" does that mean that u wil be one? or no? help please! cuz a lot of myf irends got stars, but does that mean that they will be scholars? explanation, please!

By hi on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 07:44 pm: Edit

u have to write an essay, mail in ur grades, and more before u are one, but right now u qualify, but also u have to wait to see if ur a semifinalist or commended,if u are a semifinalist u have to do all that stuff i mentioned above before u can be a NMS.

By Qman444 on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 08:25 pm: Edit

This is disgusting. I get a 216 (99% nationwide) for the PSATs and I probably will only get a commended scholar designation because I live in Massachusetts. What is the use of selecting finalists state by state? I think it should be done by nationwide merit, but part of my reasoning is because I am upset that I get shafted from getting even a small chance of competeing for the scholarship. Oh well...best advice is: GO LIVE IN NEW MEXICO.

By goldenhurricanes on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 09:34 pm: Edit

After reading this forum, I'm not sure if I will ever quit laughing. You are all amusing!

I am a high school junior from extremely rural Oklahoma, and yes, Qman444, I know that our standards just aren't as high as Massachusetts'. However, I find it hard to believe that, if you scored 216 (which translates to approx. 1440 SAT, 32-33 ACT), you will have any trouble being admitted, your scores were terrific, congratulations.

I also think that it is interesting that so many of you live your lives through your children. Yes, you are proud of them, but have you ever considered that your pressure could be pushing them a bit too much? Yes, we appreciate your interest and encouragement, but it's extremely difficult to remain calm while waiting for scores if one's parents are more anxious than oneself.

Also, Massdad, my school (and many others in rural Oklahoma) offers only the basic courses, and several of those only in two of a student's four-year career. Is that my fault? Should I suffer because my school is unable to offer the same courses as those of the wonderful Massachusetts? Should my opportunities be any different that those of one who lives in a more populated state?

Referring to your slur about the "elite colleges," The University of Tulsa has consistently been named as a top university by the U.S. News & World Reports and the Princeton Review (which I'm sure you know since you are such an expert on elite college books). It is also one of THREE universities NATIONWIDE to offer Computer Security degrees, and the ONLY to offer all three accredited certificates. Also, not only does OU (not U of O as you so ignorantly stated) consistently rank as a Top FIVE university in Engineering and a Top TEN law school, but it also has tradition, in both academics AND athletics. I guarantee that John Q. Public would feel much more comfortable in the OU environment than in your illustrious Harvard.

In addition, I feel that it should be made clear that in my hometown, we pay only 5.75% sales tax. Perhaps your extra tax dollars contribute to your public school system and are the reason Massachusetts' standards are so high!

I'm an Okie, and I'm proud of it.

By Michael on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 04:18 pm: Edit

I just got my scores today and I got an index score of 198. 60 verbal, 70 math, 68 writing. Does anyone know if this is good enough for a letter of commendation in Pennsylvania?

By caseyTN on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 06:06 pm: Edit

Hey guys, I just got my scores back yesterday for the PSAT. I had a 218 (72 verbal, 70 math, 76 writing) and now my curiosity is killing me- I don't think I can wait until next September. Where would this score likely place me in Tennessee? Will I make the semifinalist cutoff? Any help would be appreciated.

By tman2304 on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 04:15 pm: Edit

Anyone have any idea what the cutoff in MN was for the 2001 test?

By Christine on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 08:59 pm: Edit

goldenhurricanes, we are concerned about getting the scholarship and title, not necessarily about getting into a good college, but that is the general aim of everything we do. I'm sure if you were here in the states such as MA, you would feel like you were being cheated out of things. You could just move to OK and get the scholarship easily. It's so near within grasp, that's all. Also, someone mentioned that each state has different populations, so the factors into who gets the highest scores.

By john on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 11:42 pm: Edit

anyone know what the massachusetts cutoff dates have been for the past few years?

By goldenhurricanes on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 08:20 am: Edit

Christine, I understand that you want into a good college, but there are others who were putting other people down because their state just wasn't as high a standard as theirs... I don't appreciate it, and it digresses from the topic just a bit. I don't want to be patronized. I was clearly addressing Massdad & Qman444 because they were belittling the accomplishments of others.

By hi on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 10:21 am: Edit

Ummmm... anyone can do well on the PSATs without living in a state like Massachusestts, a person just needs to practice the SATs and buy books about the SATs, and they can get a 240. So i think its unfair for some states to have lower cutoffs then other states.

By Massdad (Massdad) on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 11:42 am: Edit

John, MA cutoff scores have been running around 222 the past few years.

Golden, what did I say that was "belittling the accomplishments of others?" If you took something that way, I'm sorry, as it was not intended to be doing that.

Rather, I wanted to point out that the emphasis on NM finalist status is missing the point. Except for a few specialized circumstances w/r/t merit scholarships, it does not matter, unless one is concerned with bragging rights.

Further, to think that attendance at a "wonderful Massachusetts" is all blessing is to show a lack of understanding of the admissions process. This happens in two ways:

First, adcoms know that some schools offer greater opportunity etc. than others, so the bar is adjusted accordingly. I grant that the academic superstar has a greater chance to show his/her stuff at the school that offers every AP imaginable, but would you want to suffer through the attendant competition, pressure etc?

Are kids attending rural schools at a disadvantage? Perhaps, but I'm not so sure. In this day of distance learning programs, location is not the problem it used to be. Check out Stanford's EPGY offerings, for instance. You don't need to take a course to take an AP exam, but you do need the discipline to study on your own.

Just remember, the STATE does not set high standards, the individuals do. I used to live in Oklahoma (even learned to speak there) and can tell you that it is not an educational wasteland by any means.

Final note, I went to one of the second tier institutions that I referenced earlier (that recruited merit finalists), not a top tier brand name institution down the road. And, I think it was a good decision, but I had specific reasons for doing so.

By Htownman on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 01:14 pm: Edit

Jane,
Bellaire H.S. of Houston could possibly be the high school with the most national merit semifinalists of Texas. Every year Bellaire has 40-50 students that are Nation Merit Semifinalists.

By CuriousOne on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 02:31 pm: Edit

I feel really stupid for posting here, since I seem to have one of the lowest scores from everything I've been reading. (All these 215+'s are making me feel very intimidated.) I also received my PSAT scores yesterday from the Saturday Oct 19th exam... 70 verbal, 67 math and 73 writing with a selection index of 210 (I took the PSAT as a sophomore and received a 193 selection index).

I know I almost certainly didn't make the semi-finalist cut-off in my state (CT), but does anyone know if the cutoff in years past has ever been more than 209 or 210 for Commended Scholar in CT?

Finally, generally speaking, is the statement that most students who take prep courses in preparation for the SAT I after taking the PSAT improve 100 points from their original PSAT scores, or is that simply not true? I think that, for me, it's a nice dream to get a 1470, but may be highly unlikely.

By trackman on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 02:37 pm: Edit

The Commended cut off is national and usually around 200- you will definately be Commended with a 210.

By CuriousOne on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 02:45 pm: Edit

Thanks for the info, trackman. I'm relieved...

By T on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 03:16 pm: Edit

195 -- Any shot at a commendation?

Also anyone familiar with NHSC the cutoff?

By OK vs MA on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 05:30 pm: Edit

Some people above were comparing Massachusestts and Oklahoma's semi-finalist cutoff scores. Below are some statistics from the October 2001 PSAT exam.

Massachusestts:
Mean verbal 49.3
Mean math 49.8
Mean writing 49.6

Oklahoma:
Mean verbal 50.2
Mean math 49.4
Mean writing 51.5

Not much difference between the scores. But here's another statistic:

# of test takers:
Massachusestts 44,717
Oklahoma 9,477

Big difference there.I’ll let people make their own inference as to why Massachusetts’s semi-finalist cutoff score is 222 and Oklahoma’s is 208.

BTW; here are the links to the scores.

http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/research/psat/2001/junior/OK.pdf

http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/research/psat/2001/junior/MA.pdf

By Twotoo on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 10:05 pm: Edit

hey, guys! i'm a junior in the corner of western Texas, and i just my scores this friday. V:74; M:68; W:80

i'm not sure, but does the fact that texas seems to waver around the 215 cutoff on the PSATs (V:74, M:68; W:80) ensure a spot as a semifinalist? are good grades all they look at afterward to "merit" (yes, haha, lame pun) finalist status?

note to highlander: dead poets society is my favorite movie ever . . . nice to meet a fellow dps fan; yawp!

By goldenhurricanes on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 10:22 pm: Edit

Okay, I seem to have caused a LOT of confusion. First of all, I was caught off guard that so many of the states cutoffs were so high. I didn't realize that you had to have a 222 to be a semi-finalist in some states.
Secondly, I don't believe that the opportunities are the same. And yes, I do think that, while rural schools have several advantages, urban area schools offer many more "real life" opportunities. For example, I used to attend a school in Suburban OKC, my class was about 305 (currently, my graduating class will be about 25) There was competition much like that in the workplace, and there was a greater diversity among the students. Individuals attending larger schools leave with more "people skills" and a better understanding of the "real world" than those who spend 13 years with the same fifteen people in the same teachers' classes.
Also, my school (as with other rural schools) does not offer any classes past Trigonometry, no foreign languages other than German Online, and no sciences other than Biology or Anatomy. While these subjects do not relate directly to the PSAT, the successful completion of advanced-level classes produces more critical thinking skills than those in the average underclassmen's schedule.
I applaud schools who are able to provide their students with the skills necessary to achieve the 220's; however, I find it difficult to blame the students when a school is simply unable to offer the same opportunities as a larger counterpart.
Distance learning is near impossible, we are 60 miles from the nearest community college (which is just a branch from another college) and the income of most of our families does not allow for that type of travel.

By CuriousOne on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 10:50 pm: Edit

goldenhurricanes, but isn't that why the cut-off is by state to begin with? Because that way the National Merit Scholarship Corporation can be more fair and limited to the opportunities a student has had?

By Massdad (Massdad) on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 11:52 pm: Edit

Golden, the system (adcoms etc) take these things (poor course offerings, small, isolated school) into consideration. That's why your school, or you, if the school does not, sends a profile. And, if you show a creative way, the hunger etc. to pursue something extra, even if it's not easy, then you stand out in the applicant pool.

It's so easy to take AP, even college courses in Boston, for instance, that you can't believe what it takes to stand out from one's peers.

Distance learning does NOT mean travelling to a course. Offerings are avialble on line, CD rom etc. Cost for most is not too high (but not cheap). So, you only lose by being in an isolated location if you do nothing.

Here's one link: http://www-epgy.stanford.edu/

Remember, some school districts even pay for these programs on an occassional basis.

By Christine on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 12:43 am: Edit

Thanks, CuriousOne. I feel like you're in a similar situationt to mine...hopefully, at least. I got in the 190s, also, as a sophmore. If I received a 210 this year, I'd be so happy. 219 was said to be our cut off. That doesn't seem as bad as MA or to far off :/ I live in CT too. I'd say, buy the book, don't go to the classes, and STUDY that book and the explanations! I've taken the classes...twice.

By bump on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 01:41 am: Edit

bump

By NYteen on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 02:51 pm: Edit

Hey. I got a 215 and I was wondering if there's a chance that it will make the cutoff for semifinalist?

By Joseph Schexnayder on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 03:03 pm: Edit

How does a selection index of 226 stand up in Mississippi? Would that be enough for semi-finalist status? My score was in the 99th percentile, but I was under the impression that one had to basically have a perfect score to even be considered.

By CuriousOne on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 03:05 pm: Edit

Joseph, you have a great shot, especially since you are in Mississippi...I am 99.9% certain you will be a semifinalist. The cutoff is around 220 here in CT but I've heard that it's near 205 or so in Mississippi...

By Brujaria on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 03:19 pm: Edit

Any ideas as to what the approx selection index of a National Hispanic Scholar needs to be?

By caseyTN on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 07:25 pm: Edit

Hello everyone. I had a 218 (72 V, 70 M 76 W) on the Oct. 15 test. Will I make the semifinalist cutoff in Tennessee? Thanks.

By CuriousOne on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 09:27 pm: Edit

Nyteen, I think there's a chance you'll make the cut off but not a huge one - I've read that in years past the NY cut off has been somewhere around 217, 218, 219...

Don't worry, I definitely didn't make it (210, CT). But I'm happy that I'll be a commended scholar, at least. That was what I was aiming for in the beginning.

By CuriousOne on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 09:29 pm: Edit

caseyTN, scroll up in the thread. They say that the semifinalist cut off is approx. 215 in Tennessee or maybe lower so you will probably make it. You won't know for sure until next year though...

By Ben Kuritzkes on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 10:30 pm: Edit

I took the PSAT this fall and received an index score of 224. Does anyone know what that might qualify me for in Massachusetts, based on last year's figures?

By notsure on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 01:18 am: Edit

any chance of anything for a 209 in ny?

By Q on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 01:31 am: Edit

Can someone post the conversion table (raw score to scaled score) for the three categories, for saw 5 missed in each for the Saturday test?

That would be very helpful in seeing how it scaled this year. Btw, how did the mistake on #32 in math affect things?

By David ONeal on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 02:18 pm: Edit

I learned today that last year's index for Massachusetts was 221, if that helps anyone.

By Daniel on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 03:29 pm: Edit

I got a 214 index score back today in Florida. I know the cutoff for seminfinalists last year was 213... Any way to tell what it should be this year? Thanks.

By NYteen on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 05:00 pm: Edit

Thanks curiousone. That gives me a good idea of what to expect (in a good way)

By curiousinNY on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 02:49 pm: Edit

strange scores with the math question dropped. I got 2 wrong on the math with none omitted and got a 730. Someone else got 2 wrong on the math, omitted one, and got the same score. Someone else got 3 wrong and got a 720. Someone got 1 wrong and got a 780. Any ideas? This was for the Sat test.

By curiousinNY on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 02:50 pm: Edit

actually, I should have said, Saturday PSAT test.

By alexfromohio on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 10:44 pm: Edit

I'm a little bit confused about the PSATs. I got a 216 (80 Verbal, 70 Math, 66 Writing), do I have a good chance of being a Semi-Finalist in Ohio? My guidance counselor seemed happy, but I don't think he wanted to get my hopes up too much. I'm actually not sure as to how well Ohio does in tests like this. I do go to a fairly rural school, but they do offer a few AP classes, and our academics aren't too bad. My grades aren't perfect, but my GPA is around 3.8 and I've taken the hardest courses my school offers, so I think I could make Finalist too, if I get Semi-Finalist.

Another question: What does National Merit Scholarship really mean? Do many colleges offer substantial scholarships? Or, does it just go hand in hand with SAT/ACT scores and GPA? I'm not really worried about being accepted to college, but there's no way I could pay for Ivy-league or the like without some big scholarships.

September is a long way off.

By hopeful inLA on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 03:27 pm: Edit

i was wondering if anyone could tell me the cutoff score for Louisiana for last yrs.(2001) PSAT. i heard that it was a 208; can anyone confirm that? also if the cutoff was 208, would the projected cutoff score for the 2002 test be about the same? i am curious because i got a 211 on the PSAT n i am wondering if i have a shot at national merit. thanks for any help anyone can offer.

By texas17 on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 03:42 pm: Edit

i'm curious for anyone with experience in this stuff...i'm pretty sure that i did will not get an actual nmsc scholarship with the 215 that i just found out that i made. do colleges offer different scholarships for finalists or does being a finalist increase your chances for getting a scholarship at a specific school? thanks so much.

By texas17 on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 04:25 pm: Edit

sorry...i put 215, but i really got a 217

By ls885577 on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 05:30 pm: Edit

really, really upset....
v52, m59, w67

By Amy Koehler on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 05:44 pm: Edit

I am a high school junior in Texas and I have a selection index of 220 on my PSATs (V-72, M-72, W-76). Everyone has been discussing the cutoff for semifinalists, I believe, but what about finalists and actual Merit scholarships? Does anyone know the cutoff for that?

By newtothis on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 10:20 pm: Edit

As far as the colleges are concerned, is there a big difference between a commended and a semi finalist? After all, the difference could only be one question in your home state, or you may actually have a higher index than a semifinalist in another state???
What about the high school? Do you get the same recognition as the semifinalists? Thanks for answering.

By ILWntngInfo on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 04:41 pm: Edit

Just got my scores - from IL, got a 213 :/ my school waited forever! -- this seems like a great info spot, so a couple quick questions -- is the NMSC Percentile computed nationally or by state? And.. does anyone have a link 2 the past semifinalist cutoff score for Illinois or the college board research (like in OK vs MA's post above) If the cutoff is 213, is 213 a semifinalist, or you have to get above a 213?

By CO on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 05:36 pm: Edit

NMSC %ile is national. Semifinalist is state. Commended is national. Finalist and actual scholarships depends on whether you apply and do what they ask you to do (I think it's an essay), etc. But there isn't a cutoff above semifinalist...you have to go through a whole different thing for that.

By probablycommended on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 09:54 pm: Edit

What is the typical number of commended vs semifinalsts in a high school? Are there any awards for commended? I'm 98%ile but I'm probably commended.

By psat question on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 03:14 am: Edit

yea, about that math score...it depends on what one you missed, I missed two of the mult choice and got a 75.. it kinda pissed me off how they omitted that question. it was a really good one and could have brought the state average down by a fraction of a point!!! hehe oh well.

By texas17 on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 02:31 pm: Edit

how'd u miss 2 multiple choice and still get a 75? i missed 2 fill in the blank math ones and got a 75 as well, and they aren't supposed to count off, they just don't add points either. i'm confused.

By Hawk on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 03:51 pm: Edit

Sorry about past messages on the thread I dont know what I was thinking. Anyways, I'm a junior in high school and very disappointed. I took the Sat in october the weekend before the PSAT, and I got a 670 in verbal and an 800 in math. That was on saturday, then 3 days later on tuesday I took the psat, and my scores are 61 Verbal, 80 Math, 73 Writing, first off I dont understand how my verbal suddenly dropped so low....and second off, I live in georgia, I looked through this thread and in 99 the cutoff was 211, and does anyone know the cutoffs last year or the year before in georgia? Will a 214 make it? I have a friend who's a senior and got a 215 and made it, but that may have been the cutoff I should ask him, but is there a more recent state listing rather than 99

By me on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 08:54 pm: Edit

Go to college board's site and check the Counselor's research section, I think there are 2001 statistics.

By jokester on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 08:54 pm: Edit

heres a good SAT word : vicarious...

ex: many parents on this board are living vicariously through their children...

hehe, just a little holiday humor.

By fromwisconsin on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 09:02 pm: Edit

I am a junior in high school in Wisconsin and I got a 194 (V: 61 M: 63 W: 70) even though it should have been higher, those blasted reading questions...and stupid math mistakes for that matter...but I was wondering if there is even a slight chance that I will be commended. Obviously my hopes are not too high.

By Hawk on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 12:07 am: Edit

I heard to be commended you needed 200

By Liz on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 11:40 am: Edit

Okay, so if you are right on the cutoff (I have a 218 and VA's cutoff is 218), does that mean you're likely in the running for semi-finalist (after all the essays and such in September), or you're just out of it?

By Dave on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 03:15 pm: Edit

Would PSAT 211 and SAT 1440 be enough in IA?

By MISUNDERESTIMATED on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 05:25 pm: Edit

sorry, brian, those scores are not sufficient in IA. you might want to try a different state, or score a 1600 on the sat, otherwise you will be a dumb bum the rest of your life.

IT IS IRONIC ALL THESE FINE FOLKS WHO COME IN HERE AND SCORE EXTRAORDINARY ON THEIR TESTS BUT ARE TOO IGNORANT TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE CONSIDERED GENIUSES!

By gymnast3218 on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 05:32 pm: Edit

Nobody gets their PSATs later than I do. Just got them back today. V74 M73 W76= 223. Is that enough for being a semi-finalist in PA?

By sat reviver on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 07:15 pm: Edit

no, gymnast, that is a horrible score. please do not think that you will be a semi-finalist because it's not going to happen, you just aren't smart enough.

By highhopes on Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 10:10 am: Edit

I hope this question isn't too far afield, but I assume that some of you are getting invitations to apply to the summer Research Sciences Institute at MIT. It looks like the invitations went out right after the PSAT scores were available. Here is my question: I have been accepted at a free summer program for scholars in my state. Only 70 rising seniors from around the country will be accepted at the RSI program at MIT. If I apply, I will have to give up the state program. Otherwise, the school won't send my transcript. Does anyone know the chances of being accepted at RSI? I have a real bird in the hand versus two birds in the bush problem here. By the way, I am a girl, don't have much money, am from the rural boondocks, and am not a minority.

By Dave on Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 10:57 pm: Edit

Ah well, I'm just a freshman. 2 more years...

By Shoshana on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 05:06 pm: Edit

I got a 225 in NJ. If 220 was the cut-off last year, do you think it will go up more than 5 points, or should I be ok?

I kinda see both sides about the different scores in different states. One thing that I think is unfair when people say that in some states, people have better opportunities is that yes, some people do, but not everyone does. For example, around here, there are a LOT of really expensive private schools, but there are also some poor public schools & you can't say that EVERYONE from NJ has the opportunity to attend amazing schools.

By ontheEDGE on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 07:02 pm: Edit

I recently got my PSAT score and was merely a 201(67+64+70). This score is obviously far short of NMSF, but what are my chances of becoming a Commended Scholar? (I live in New York) I think I either just made it or just missed.

By weird on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 09:56 pm: Edit

Michigan's semifinalist cutoff is incredibly low compared to other states of similar populations.

By Joey on Wednesday, December 25, 2002 - 08:26 pm: Edit

219 ... MA ... if only I lived in a less competitive state ...

By gymnast on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 09:18 am: Edit

Does anyone know the cutoff for PA?

By pred on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 04:23 am: Edit

To highhopes, I heard about the RSI program too in MIT. My ap physics teacher said it is THE most prestigious summer science program in the world. And he was not joking. So if I were you, I would think that your current situation would be safer. But maybe you are smart enough!

By . on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 12:53 am: Edit

the commended number in md and washington metropolitan area is 198

By highhopes on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 11:27 am: Edit

Thanks Pred, I will stick with what I have because I feel somewhat obligated to my state program as well as underqualified for the RSI program at MIT. We don't even have physics ap here. But in my dreams, I'd like to go there and learn EVERYTHING!

By me on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 10:40 pm: Edit

weird, the cut-offs are based on average amount of testers, not necessarily population

By chopsticks on Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 08:26 pm: Edit

I am from a DoDDs school in Japan, and I was wondering if anyone knows the cutoff in recent years for semi-finalist status for DoDDs/foreign schools? We haven't been able to find the category, and I am very curious to know. Thanks in advance...

By moonlesia on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 03:45 pm: Edit

hopefulinLA- LA's cut-off has been normally 208-209, somewhere in there, so I'd say you pretty much made the cut. Congrats!

BTW, I really don't think the different state cut-offs are fair, for all ya'll that live in competitive states. I mean, just because people in my state aren't as smart, I make national merit and you don't??

By curious mom on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 04:31 pm: Edit

If a 195 is in the 95th percentile and commended students are in the top 5% of the nation, wouldn't stand to reason that this score would be sufficient enough for a commended student? New to the forum, first experience with PSAT, any feedback?

By Danny on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 05:07 pm: Edit

I am a sophomore in TX, and just got my scores back yesterday. V-64 M-66 W-69. My index was 199. Do you think I would have much of a shot next year at becoming a semifinalist? What are the average score raises from sophomore to junior?

By TexasFencer on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 09:51 pm: Edit

Danny, I think you have an excellent chance next year of getting semifinalist. Just practice, practice, practice. I too had a 199 sophomore year and ended up with a 227 this year. Go Texas A&M!!!

By NJstudent on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 10:38 pm: Edit

212 in NJ 69V 73M 70W

Lost 5 pts in Math because of a stupid mistake + a couple verbal questions

By junior on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 11:16 pm: Edit

Danny you will be amazed at how much your scores will increase from sophomore to junior year. As a sophomore and got a 209. I didnt feel that much more confident this year, but scored a 230, and could have done even better if I hadnt spaced on an couple of easy ones. Other friends of mine went from a 193 to a 219 and from 180 to 204. I think you have a great shot at making the semi cutoff

By Chelsea on Saturday, January 11, 2003 - 10:11 pm: Edit

fyi: according to my counselor, this yr's semi-finalist cutoff for FL was 214 (take or give 1 or 2)

By nc... on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 08:44 pm: Edit

does anybody know if a 216 would make it in NC?? thanks

By NYteen on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 09:14 pm: Edit

for RSI, what is the criteria to get an invitation? Oh by the way, I got a 215 on my PSATs and I didn't get an invitation.

By Allen on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 06:31 pm: Edit

I would like to say that I win because I just got my PSAT results today. Oh yes, that's right.

You may touch me.

By Anne on Friday, January 17, 2003 - 10:27 pm: Edit

Can anyone tell me when my son will need to take the SAT test in order to qualify as a finalist? he scored a 232 on the PSAT, so I am pretty sure he will be a semifinalist (our cutoff in Indiana last year was 210.) I know he needs to score well on the SAT in order to qualify and am wondering how well he needs to score and when he can take it? Are there specific dates next fall or can he take it this spring? thanks,
Anne

By Calquest on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 06:20 pm: Edit

Here's a quote from the Semifinalist material for this year's seniors (those who took the PSAT in 2001):

"Scores earned on one of the 17 national SAT I administrations between October 2000 and December 2002 will be considered by NMSC. ...Verbal and math scores from the same authorized SAT I administration will be the basis for determining whether you fulfill the confirming score requirement."

A 232 will undoubtedly make him a semifinalist. Great score!

By TexasChar on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 11:30 am: Edit

I got a 213 on the PSAT in Texas, will I make National Merit Semifinalist??

By txtoo on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 11:50 am: Edit

Only if the required score went down. It has been 215 the last two years in Texas. Sorry.

By TexasChar on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 01:48 pm: Edit

I heard that since more people (in Tx.) are taking the test, or took the test last time, the score to qualify for National Merit should go down. Think so?

By txtoo on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 09:33 am: Edit

All you can do is hope. I would think it would take a substantial increase in test-takers from 2001 to 2002 to make a statistical difference. Remember, only scores from other juniors are compared. I agree there are many more sophomores and freshmen taking the test every year. Good luck!

By Kantas on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 12:20 pm: Edit

hi! I got a 222 as a sophomore...do you think i can get it up to a 240 by juniour year?

By 9331 on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 03:50 pm: Edit

Anything is possible. I went from a terrible 173 sophmore year to a (much better) 210 this year. Hey, if I can increase my score by, what, almost 40 pts without studying, I'm sure you could get a 240 with alittle practice.

By lysosomes on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 04:11 pm: Edit

I'm confused--does the SAT score affect one's chance of being a finalist?

By Thedad (Thedad) on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 07:13 pm: Edit

Yes. They use SAT scores to validate the high PSAT scores. I don't know how good the SAT scores have got to be to validate.

By gag on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 08:24 pm: Edit

People, I live in IN and was wondering what are the chances for the cutoff to rise two points. I got 211 and the cutoff last year was 210.

By cathyg2 on Sunday, January 26, 2003 - 12:51 pm: Edit

Does anyone know what historically has been the cutoff score the last few years in Wisconsin?

By Tim on Monday, January 27, 2003 - 05:20 pm: Edit

Does anyone know the cutoff score for Washington State?

By aggieincaly on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 06:46 am: Edit

Hey TEXASFENCER. Go Aggies! Im in California, but I used to live in College Station. Do u by any chance know Danny Furuta?

btw PSAT scores don't mean jack. If u apply to good school, EVERYONE has national merit something. Therefore, u dont set urself apart with a nm scholarship thing

By wisconsinguy on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 07:26 am: Edit

Wisconsin has always been around 210 or 212.

By matt on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 02:35 am: Edit

I heard the cuttoff for washington state has been around 213 in previous years...Im hopin!! I got 213, haha.

By Texaschar on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 09:09 am: Edit

How can this happen, a 213 (1440) on the PSAT and a 1330 on the SAT?

By Materials on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 10:40 am: Edit

Does anyone know when stuff will be sent out to schools to in turn be distributed to commended/semi-finalist students? Do they send any materials directly to the homes of qualifying students, or is everything sent care of the school?

By CalDad on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 12:21 pm: Edit

Students usually get notified only from the school around the first/second week of September while schools get notified in August.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 05:28 pm: Edit

Yes, but the process drags out longer to separate
the Finalists from the Semi-Finalists...and that
happens long about now. One of my on-line friends
here is veritably itching, I think, because of
this....

By cgrillas on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 11:29 pm: Edit

Good luck to all who are waiting for notification regarding status. This is an interesting site, you may find out how everyone in your state did by sustituting your state abbreviation in the place of the OK in the following URL. Also, you may want to substitute the correct year(i.e. 2002 if you're a junior, based on the year you took the test, if you're using this in the future.) http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/research/psat/2001/junior/OK.pdf Good Luck, it worked for IA.
It was interesting to hear how students were notified. Our local district lost or destroyed my daughter's packet and we had to order a substitue application pack from National Merit after she was notified by the Regional Talented and Gifted School she attends that she had been designated a Semi-Finalist. Her local school didn't feel it was necessary to congratulate her, much less have any type of public recognition-but they'll fund a pep bus to cheer for our second rate athletes. BTW, they offer no AP, honors, or accelerated classes, and were cited by the Dept. of Education for failure to have a talented and gifted program as required by Iowa law. The 2003 graduating class will have 29 students if no one quits, fails, or moves; and didn't produce any other commended or better scholars. They don't offer distance learning if it costs them anything, and illegally print information in our students' guidebook that juniors and seniors are required to put up the money for post-secondary classes--which really discourages cash-strapped students and parents. They didn't even acknowledge that designated TAG students in 9th and 10th grade were even eligible as well, until I formally complained. They receive .48 extra weighting from our state ( about $2300 a year extra, normal students are funded for approx. $4600 a year) for "allowing" my daughter to attend the regional academy (a little over 30 miles away) at our expense, and of course they don't reimburse for transportation or provide a vehicle or driver--as they would partially have to if she was attending a private school. With this inverse reward system for failure to meet state mandates, the school has no inclination to change the system. It rewards them and punishes the student for being motivated and committed enough to want to fulfill their potential. I gave up my job so I could drive her for three years before she was able to drive herself--they wouldn't give her a student's school license when she was eligible at 14, even after drivers' ed. Our superintendant maintained they were for EXTRACURRICULAR activities. She's worked one and now two jobs each year since she was 14 to help or fund the car,upkeep,insurance,and gas. FYI, some schools offer a FULL RIDE for NMF, so this designation can make a major difference for kids who come from single parent or divorced households. This might explain some of the anxiety expressed in the threads.
Her situation is offered for the sake of comparison for those students with better opportunities--and it wouldn't hurt to send a note to your local school board thanking them for the same. Please don't complain if all states cut-offs are not the same, but I can certainly understand where you're coming from.
Does anybody know when all Finalists will be notified by?