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the National Merit website says that they send out letters to high scorers in April. Has anyone gotten a letter yet? Do you know when they will be sent out?

By Strick (Strick) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 05:52 pm: Edit

Nope, not so far. From what I read this letter goes out to students who can expect to be either commended or better, right?

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 06:00 pm: Edit

yea if you get it ur either commended or higher...they don't tell you which one tho

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 07:10 pm: Edit

I know someone who got one today in Texas, so at least some of them have been mailed.

By Strick (Strick) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 08:38 pm: Edit

Could be, Texas137. I'm in Texas, too, but our mail usually comes a day or so later than most folks in the area.

Apatel710, again from their website and what people have said here, we won't find out which until next September, though it's not that hard to figure unless you're right on the borderline (214-216 in Texas based on what I've seen).

By Azheim (Azheim) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 09:11 pm: Edit

I got mine today!

I got a 212 in Michigan. Does that mean I'm likely to just get commended, or go finalist/semifinalist?

By Scion (Scion) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 10:18 pm: Edit

what does the letter exactly say? anyone get it in california yet? i didnt even get ANY mail at all today!

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 10:24 pm: Edit

what's the cutoff for commended like in new jersey?

By Shadow_Wolf (Shadow_Wolf) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 02:50 am: Edit

Wow..april..I didn't receive my National Merit Semi-Finalist notification until the beginning of my senior year (September I think). Maybe people are just slow in NJ. =\

By Toblin (Toblin) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:13 am: Edit

Apatel710

I believe the cutoff for commended is the same for every state unlike the cutoff for semi-finalists which varies from state to state. Commended cutoff for the 2003 PSAT should be around 200.

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:19 am: Edit

does it do any good to name schools that have such high SAT averages that all of their applicants probably get this?

By Fireflyscout (Fireflyscout) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:25 am: Edit

There was a posting a few months back that listed the semifinal cutoff index by state for 2004 (those taking the PSAT in October, 2002). Do a message search for this forum with "2004 National Merit cutoff" in the subject line - it will be the first selection.

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:57 am: Edit

Shadow Wolf - you didn't get any type of notification in April? The site says that every commended and higher student will get a notification in April..

By Strick (Strick) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 11:27 am: Edit

Texas137, I don't understand your question. Are you refering to naming a school as your first choice institution for the NMS? I've seen people here recommend listing "undecided" until you're accepted and then putting the your first choice based on who accepted you and who's offering what financial aid.

My question would be how much time you have to make your final decision. Anyone who's done this want to comment?

By Surfer87 (Surfer87) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 11:47 am: Edit

i am a little confused.
i received a 206 on the psat and so i hopefully made the cutoff for commended sholar. Apatel710
says ure supposed to get notification in april, but on the website it says u find out late september. Whos right?

By Dliebers (Dliebers) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 01:48 pm: Edit

any chance for commended with 199 :[
i always seem to be just short of recognition.

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 02:24 pm: Edit

the website says that you don't find out which honor you recieve until september, but u receive a notification of high scoring in april

By Vtoodler (Vtoodler) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 02:28 pm: Edit

any chance for ACHEIVEMENT commended with a 183.

By Surfer87 (Surfer87) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 04:50 pm: Edit

has anyone received notification of high scoring yet.

By Modestmouse (Modestmouse) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 05:03 pm: Edit

I had 226 in Ca. No letter yet...

By Afay05 (Afay05) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 05:52 pm: Edit

I believe that we are notified in April that we were a high scorer on the PSAT, and we can list two schools to be notified that we were a high scorer. Then, in September, we're notified of either being Commended or a Semifinalist, and we start the whole process and officially select our two schools at that point. The schools that we select now in April/May aren't our official first and second choice selections. That is my understanding of it based on the NMSC Bulletin and website.

By Greenapples016 (Greenapples016) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 06:27 pm: Edit

Nothing in MA yet....219 index (222 cutoff-3 measly points!) Eh, at least I'll be commended, even though I kind of wanted semi-finalist (stupid Massachusetts with their stupid smart people) *grumbles to self*

By Ohlookasquirrel (Ohlookasquirrel) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 06:35 pm: Edit

I haven't received anything yet, I don't remember what I got though, it was somewhere in the 230's, but I'm not sure (I live in Illinois).

I took the PSAT through my school though, during a school day, and I think I might not be notified until I go back to school due to that.

By Guyute (Guyute) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:26 pm: Edit

oh haha you are juniors nevermind, my bad

By Anothersuitcase (Anothersuitcase) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:57 pm: Edit

I received an NM notification today; only four students in my school got them, and three of us had the exact same scores. -_-

By E_L (E_L) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 09:09 pm: Edit

My school in KY recieved our batch of letters today.

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:36 pm: Edit

maybe new jersey is slowwww

By Strick (Strick) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:54 pm: Edit

Still nothing in this part of Texas. I'm assuming we'll get something since my S score would have qualified in any state last year.

By Momof2005girl (Momof2005girl) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 02:24 pm: Edit

D received her high score notification in FL yesterday. It was addressed to her home but was given to her at school. It says that notification of commended, semi-finalist will be in September.

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 03:03 pm: Edit

did everyone else get theirz at school too?

By Jenesaispas (Jenesaispas) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 03:22 pm: Edit

Yes. Everyone who is recognized receives his or her letter through the school. I think the rest may be addressed to your home address. I'm not sure.

But I did get mine today from Massachusetts for a 232.

I'm not sure which colleges actually recognize or offer anything for it, though.

By Ingrid (Ingrid) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 06:51 pm: Edit

My daughter's letter arrived today (mailed to our home). We are in Mountain View, CA (San Francisco Bay area). She got a 220.

By Jrpar (Jrpar) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 07:03 pm: Edit

Son's letter arrived today, mailed to home, in New York.

By Smiliekat (Smiliekat) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 08:03 pm: Edit

got it.

By Scion (Scion) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 08:50 pm: Edit

anyone from cali get it yet?!!

By Tanman (Tanman) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:06 pm: Edit

Got the letter from my school in Houston

By Greenleaf144 (Greenleaf144) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:32 pm: Edit

Would a 205 in Cali get Commended? The score sucks, but I'm hopeful.

By Benzo415 (Benzo415) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:42 pm: Edit

Got my Commended letter today!

By Scion (Scion) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:53 pm: Edit

damn my school is on spring break! do i gotta wait any longer?!

By Smartaleck123 (Smartaleck123) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 11:50 am: Edit

I am from New Jersey and I got mine yesterday

By Aaronmp3 (Aaronmp3) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 01:56 am: Edit

I wonder whether I'll get one...

I got a 208, I live in NJ, but school is in NY.

DO you think I'll get a letter @home or @school.

By Nike1800 (Nike1800) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 09:49 am: Edit

I'm in the Philly area and I still haven't recieved mine yet.

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 11:35 am: Edit

smartaleck...was urs sent home or to school?

By Billiam2 (Billiam2) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 03:09 pm: Edit

What does this mean? At lunch they called up a bunch of kids and gave them an envelope with stuff regarding national merit, but i didn't get one. I had a 222 for PSAT. Does it mean mine will get sent home, or...?

By Lisasimpson (Lisasimpson) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 04:06 pm: Edit

hmm thats weird billiam. if i were you, just make sure from one of the kids that it really was for nm, then go ask your gc about it. i would think it got lost or something.....i could def see that happening at my school

By Smartaleck123 (Smartaleck123) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 04:19 pm: Edit

Apatel710, mine was sent to school

By Jakester (Jakester) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit

I got the letter in the mail yesterday (but didn't get the mail unti today... oops!). I live in FL and got a 222.... I imagine the cutoff score for either commeneded or semifinalist is around the 190's though

By Vtoodler (Vtoodler) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 06:49 pm: Edit

for all you people who got commended letters through the mail: Did you take the PSAT at your high school?

By Infernalpanda (Infernalpanda) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:31 pm: Edit

Would a 238 qualify for New York State?

By Infernalpanda (Infernalpanda) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:37 pm: Edit

Just kidding. But with regards to Jakester's comment, Commended would be about 200, and Semifinalist, though it differs depending on the State, would most likely be in the upper 210's, not 190.

By Scion (Scion) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 11:51 pm: Edit

anyone from california get it?

By Modestmouse (Modestmouse) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 12:25 am: Edit

In CA. I've got nothing yet Scion.

By Vpof2005 (Vpof2005) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 07:51 am: Edit

In FL. Got mine 10 minutes ago, in school. 218 index! Woohoo!!!!


Lets just hope the cutoff didnt get raised too much from the 214 that it was last year

By Impatheticiknow (Impatheticiknow) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 02:47 pm: Edit

Would a 200 still be commended, or is that too low this year? If anyone has been notified, let me know.

By Just_Forget_Me (Just_Forget_Me) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 04:06 pm: Edit

Got mine today in school. It's not too exciting. Anyone have any idea what colleges would do after being "notified"? I imagine all it'll do is get you an application sometime over the summer...

By Gmf05 (Gmf05) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 04:39 pm: Edit

Sounds about right Just Forget me. I got mine today and was expecting a little bit more I suppose. I wasn't sure whom to choose, though I settled on Yale/Stanford. Will that really make much of a difference? They ARE my top two choices as of now, but I wouldn't think they'd be impressed. (Would I have been better off sending it to UGA or something?)

By Phantom (Phantom) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 04:46 pm: Edit

Just got mine today.

I'm worried about putting down a first choice school though...I know many colleges give generous scholarships if you make it as a finalist and if you list them as first choice.

BTW, last year there were 23 commended and 8 semifinalists in my school. This time there were 13 altogether (high scorers). Now I know that my school does not represent the general population, but do you think that the semifinalist cutoffs will be lower next year? Has anyone else noticed a decrease of high scorers in their schools?

I have a 217 in NY. Last year's cutoff was 218, the year before that was 216.

By Scion (Scion) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:00 pm: Edit

anyone from cali get it yet?

By Ktpanda2033 (Ktpanda2033) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:49 pm: Edit

217 in cali
i got the letter but we find out much later whether we're commended or semifinalist

By Scion (Scion) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:02 pm: Edit

u got the letter in cali already?! well i got a 223, so i better get one... what area r u from?

By Kewlkiwi102 (Kewlkiwi102) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:20 pm: Edit

Darn, I got 235 and still havent gotten any kind of letter....Oo

By Scion (Scion) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:23 pm: Edit

whats the letter say? man im so excited!

By Momof2inca (Momof2inca) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:45 pm: Edit

My S got the letter at school on Friday. In So. Cal.

By Jens (Jens) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:56 pm: Edit

texas, no letter (221)

By Strick (Strick) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 11:03 pm: Edit

Texas here, too, and no letter. We do all realize that this letter doesn't really say much, don't we? The one in September is much more important.

By Ihatesats (Ihatesats) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 08:15 pm: Edit

Would a 238 qualify for New York State?

Shut up.

By Adrianwuzhere (Adrianwuzhere) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 01:35 pm: Edit

no letter in florida w/a 210

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 03:11 pm: Edit

did anyone in new jersey with a scoree that pretty much guarantees a letter not get one yet?

By Cognitio (Cognitio) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 03:55 pm: Edit

Got mine today, NYC, 210

By Alita (Alita) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 05:23 pm: Edit

About what schools to send it to, some colleges say that you have to put them down on it in order to be eligible for a nation merit scholarship from the school. Probably mostly state schools that do it, though.

By Blahdude (Blahdude) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 07:16 pm: Edit

got ours today, TN, 219

By Whowasthursday (Whowasthursday) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 07:52 pm: Edit

Already got mine a week or so ago,
NC 226

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 08:40 am: Edit

what's the lowest score that got one?

By Scion (Scion) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 03:44 pm: Edit

jay-uh, finally got in during class today.
california, 223

By Whowasthursday (Whowasthursday) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 03:51 pm: Edit

Hey, I guess this has been asked elsewhere, but I can't find it.
I guess to look at your SAT scores they get a regular score report, but does anybody know how they consider the scores? I've taken it twice and scored a 780 and a 730 in March over a 760 and a 670 in January.
Thanks!

By 2girlsmom (2girlsmom) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 06:49 pm: Edit

Does the letter have a deadline for sending in the names of the two schools?

We're in Texas....no letter yet.....wonder if the school is "sitting" on it.

Also, when do you get the bulletin that lists the schools that participate in NMS?
Thanks!

By Nike1800 (Nike1800) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 07:05 pm: Edit

No letter yet herr in the dirrty south (Philly)

By Jrpar (Jrpar) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 09:41 pm: Edit

I think the deadline for naming 2 schools is May 17.

By Strick (Strick) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 10:47 pm: Edit

Texas. My S got the letter yesterday at school, but has been too busy to read it (finals next week).

Someone posted what sounded like a good suggestion that's stuck in my mind. They said to mark undecided on the school. Apparently you can change your mind later when you're futher along in you selection process. Actually they said wait until you were pretty sure where you were going and name that school as your first choice. Helps with those schools who give scholarships to students who name them first.

Can anyone confirm that you can do that? Make sense since it's way too early for some kids to know what their first choice will be.

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 09:09 am: Edit

everyone in jersey got it already?

By 2girlsmom (2girlsmom) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 12:29 pm: Edit

Just spoke with the folks at NM, and they said that the notifications go directly to the school, but that some schools just put it in the mail and send it to the kids at home.

The bulletin that lists the colleges that participate will be sent to the kids when they're named a semi-finalist.

She said that the schools that you select now is "just a service" to let a couple of schools that you're interested in know that you are a high scorer and are interested in that school. You will have another chance to name your first choice school.

Strick - there has been at least one really great thread on this subject on (I believe) the Parents Forum, but I couldn't find it right now. You might try a message search for "National Merit" over there - there has been a lot of good info.

By Strick (Strick) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 01:45 pm: Edit

On the last search, there were several thousand hits. :D

I did find the contact information where you could mail or fax the NSMC a change to your school choices on their website. It's on the bottom of their FAQ page.

By Toblin (Toblin) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 02:52 pm: Edit

Everyone with a sore of 200 (+ or - 1) should get a letter of Commendation. This is a nation wide cutoff score. The cutoff for semi-finalist varies by individual state. Those state cutoffs are not calculated till the fall. Last years cutoff for semi-finalists from NJ was 221.

By Dliebers (Dliebers) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 03:41 pm: Edit

No letter yet with a 199, so it seems like this years commended cutoff was 200+

By Qwert271 (Qwert271) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 03:55 pm: Edit

Commended cutoff was 201.

By Apatel710 (Apatel710) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 04:04 pm: Edit

i got mine!!!

By Sraj87 (Sraj87) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 07:10 pm: Edit

Got mine 2 days ago, in FL with a 233.

By Chatterjoy87 (Chatterjoy87) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 07:16 pm: Edit

Only one other person in Michigan seems to have posted on this board. Don't know why my school hasn't received anything...

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 08:08 pm: Edit

Still haven't recieved anything in So. CA and now I'm going to have to wait until Monday. *Grumbling* My school sits on everything! - 219

By Forsakn4 (Forsakn4) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 08:40 pm: Edit

i got a 169 and i got a letter for something

By Ilovefood (Ilovefood) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 08:46 pm: Edit

169 is kinda low, unless...Acheivement scholar? are you a minority?

By Forsakn4 (Forsakn4) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 08:47 pm: Edit

half native american and half mexican

By Philntex (Philntex) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 11:55 am: Edit

got a letter, TX, 202. Yay

By Kewlkiwi102 (Kewlkiwi102) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:43 pm: Edit

got the letter, 235, MD

By Justice (Justice) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 09:58 pm: Edit

Does anyone not have theirs yet?

By 2girlsmom (2girlsmom) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 12:22 am: Edit

Yep - Texas - no letter yet.

By Greenapples016 (Greenapples016) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 02:46 pm: Edit

Still nothing in MA....

By Justice (Justice) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 03:13 pm: Edit

Nevermind I got mine today.

By Moto (Moto) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 04:44 pm: Edit

How on earth did you guys get such high scores?? Did you study for it? if so, what exactly did you do to study??

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 04:50 pm: Edit

Got it today in CA, finally! School was sitting on it. Had to ask them for it.

By Maoux (Maoux) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 05:18 pm: Edit

I'm in Louisiana and I got mine a while back from the school. Only about 20 in my school took it, and I'm the only one that got a letter. I got a 207, by the way.

By Miscgrl (Miscgrl) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:38 pm: Edit

Anyone know wat the cutoff was for new york?

I got a 212 and didnt know i was anywhere in the range for this thing, what're my chances?

By Aaronmp3 (Aaronmp3) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:53 pm: Edit

For NY, you'll be a commended student. If you havent gotten a letter, it should come soon.

Im not exactly sure about NY, but to be a semi-finalist in that state its at least 218.

By Glshbeljbv (Glshbeljbv) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 09:14 am: Edit

Anyone know what was the cutoff for semi- finalist last year in Michigan?

I got 212 and received a letter but not sure if I'll be qualified as a semi-finalist.

Some plz post an answer~~~

By Strick (Strick) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 12:46 pm: Edit

The list has been posted a couple of times, but I've lost track of the thread. Do a search in this forum and the Parent's one. You'll find it.

By Jrpar (Jrpar) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 01:20 pm: Edit

Here's Strick's post from earlier this month:

Following are the qualifying indices for 2004 National Merit Program (Juniors who took PSAT in 2002). The cutoff index for commended students was 200. About 1.33 million students took the test.

State, Cutoff index, #of semi. finalist, # commended

AL,208,247,201,
AK,210,39,43,
AZ,212,222,375,
AR,201,162,11,

CA,216,1913,4509,
CO,211,243,430,
CT,219,207,904,

DE,217,40,120,

FL,214,690,1457,
GA,214,398,904,
HA,214,73,156,

ID,204,92,46,
IL,214,726,1676,
IN,211,339,518,
IA,207,206,179,

KS,212,191,274,
KE,210,231,255,

LA,209,274,266,
ME,211,79,134,
MD,222,325,1486,
MA,222,337,1771
MI,209,557,636,
MN,212,366,606
MS,200,165,0,
MO,212,353,511,
MT,206,64,58,

NB,205,125,98,
NV,204,87,36,
NH,213,71,150,
NJ,221,492,2275,
NM,208,108,84,
NY,218,956,3069,
NC,213,361,760,
ND,202,53,10,

OH,212,723,1233,
OK,206,222,141,
OR,213,176,393,

PA,215,722,1840,
RI,213,61,122,
SC,211,206,296,
SD,206,60,35,

TN,213,273,520
TX,216,1248,2936,
UT,200,196,0
VT,213,41,107,

WA,214,350,755,
WV,201,114,8,
WI,209,373,419,
WY,200,37,0,

D.C,222,80,243,
Territories,200,27,0
Outside US,222,45,344,

Total semifinalist 16,326. Total commended: 35,489.

By Anijen21 (Anijen21) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 05:11 pm: Edit

Got my letter in WI today. I got a score of 219. My guidance counselor said the cutoff this year for commended students was 201. Just FYI.

PS: Does anyone know of any specific strategies in choosing the two colleges?

By Lisasimpson (Lisasimpson) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 06:10 pm: Edit

is it safe to say that arizona, mississippi, utah, and wyoming are the four most intellectually challenged states? and HOLY CRAP, i want some of the food they get in maryland and massachusetts.

(thats if i got the abbreviations right)

i remember failing the state abbreviation test in fourth grade

By Gmf05 (Gmf05) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 07:53 pm: Edit

Lisasimpsons - Mississippi has low test scores. So, that might account for their low cutoff. But I'd imagine that AZ, UT, and WY have low cutoffs because there aren't as many people in those states. It's not a percentage, but rather a number of high scorers that get semi-finalist. That's why states with high populations AND good schools have very very high cutoffs.

By Bebere87 (Bebere87) on Monday, June 28, 2004 - 11:17 am: Edit

Sorry if this has been asked/answered before, but when do we receive notification of Semi-finalist status? Also, are Finalists determined solely based on score? If so, anybody have any idea what the cutoff has been in past years?