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What percent of students are National Merit Commended?
If your PSAT score is high enough for you to qualify, you will be designated as either a Commended or Semifinalist student. The top 1.25 percent of test takers become National Merit Semifinalists, and the next 3 percent are Commended students and receive an honorary certificate.
Is National Merit Semifinalist a big deal?
Now, it is pretty insignificant. You can expect an award of anywhere to $2000-8000, with many of the awards being a one-time scholarship of $2500. When a private college education costs in excess of $200,000, National Merit is not enough to make a big dent.
Does being a National Merit Semifinalist help you get into college?
Your SAT and ACT scores are far more important to colleges; your National Merit status does not add much new information. However, having a high number of enrolled Semifinalists is seen as a badge of honor at some colleges and will factor in their admission decisions.
How do you know if you are National Merit Commended?
NMSC compares your PSAT scores with those of other students in your state using its own Selection Index, which falls on a scale between 48 and 228. The top 3-4\% of scorers are named Commended Scholar.
Is National Merit Commended good?
Reaching the status of Commended Student or Semifinalist is a strong indicator of your academic excellence to include in your application, and may enable you to apply for Special Scholarships. The best way to get yourself in the running for the National Merit Scholarship is to prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT.
What is commended National Merit?
Commended Students are named based on a nationally applied Selection Index score that may vary from year to year and is typically below the level required for participants to be named Semifinalists in their respective states.
What school has the most National Merit Scholars?
University of Southern California
College enrollment
| Rank | University | Total scholars (including college-sponsored) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | 276 |
| 2 | University of Chicago | 249 |
| 3 | University of Florida | 231 |
| 4 | Harvard University | 195 |
What is National Merit commended?
How are National Merit Commended students notified?
Students whose scores qualify them for recognition in the National Merit Program will be notified through their high schools in September following the test administration.
What is a National Merit Letter of Commendation?
Commended Students In late September, more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.