Do colleges care about National Merit Commended?

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.

Does National Merit Commended look good on college applications?

Although being a National Merit Commended Scholar isn't as significant as being a Semifinalist or Finalist, it's still a great accomplishment to include in the honors or awards section on your college applications.

Is being commended for National Merit good?

Each year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognizes these students as "commended scholars" for their outstanding academic achievements. Commended scholars receive a Letter of Commendation from the NMSC, which is considered an honor and may be included in college applications.

Are commended students nationally recognized?

Each year, students who earn exceptional scores on the PSAT/NMSQT are recognized as Commended Students. Although Commended Students do not continue on in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some of these students may qualify for special scholarships offered by the NMSC's sponsors. Justin J.

Do colleges care if you're a National Merit Semifinalist?

Gaining recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist is a prestigious achievement to include on college applications, and many colleges and corporate sponsors offer special scholarships to these students, even if they don't become finalists.

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Should I put commended Scholar on common app?

NMS Commended usually goes on the Awards/Honors section of the Common App, and it's relatively prestigious. Both.

Is it a big deal to be a National Merit semifinalist?

Those who score in the top 1% achieve the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist. Most of these students move on to become National Merit Finalists, with some winning scholarship money for college. Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is a huge achievement along the path to college.

Does commended on PSAT mean anything?

Commended Students:

This letter means they are not eligible to move on in the competition, but it still looks good to college admissions offices and may qualify them for special scholarships.

What percent of people get National Merit Commended?

Students who achieve top scores may receive recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 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.

What percent of people are National Merit Commended?

Those not making Semifinalist – about 34.000 of the 50.000, and about 3-4% of all PSAT takers – are "Commended", and receive a Letter of Commendation; they do not continue in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards.

Is National Merit Commended Scholar impressive?

Congratulations on becoming a National Merit Commended Scholar! It's an amazing accomplishment that reflects your hard work and academic abilities. You should definitely include it in the honors and awards section of your college applications, as admissions officers will recognize the value of this achievement.

How many students get commended National Merit?

In September 2024, more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the high scorers will be designated Commended Students.

How many people are National Merit Commended Scholars?

PARTICIPANTS WHO QUALIFY FOR NATIONAL MERIT PROGRAM RECOGNITION. 34,000 Commended Students.

Do Ivy Leagues care about National Merit?

Some colleges that do NOT sponsor scholarships for National Merit students include Harvard and other Ivy League schools, Middlebury College, MIT, Stanford, and Williams College.

Do Ivy League schools care about National Merit Scholarship?

Ivy League schools don't award any merit scholarships, which includes National Merit Scholarships. These schools have the highest achieving students applying to their institutions and would rather award need-based financial aid to assist the most students in a fair and equitable manner.

What level of recognition is National Merit Commended Scholar?

National Merit Commended Scholar and National Merit Semifinalist recognition are both appropriately designated as State/Regional honors.

What does it mean to be a National Merit Commended student?

All National Merit Program participants who score at or above the Commended level but below their selection unit's Semifinalist qualifying score are designated Commended Students.

What index score is needed for National Merit Commended?

The Commended Student cutoff is likely to rise to 209 (above the 207 from the last 3 years). Estimates can be imperfect, but we are confident that the Commended cutoff will fall within the 208 to 210 range. The higher Commended cutoff, in turn, correlates with higher Semifinalist cutoffs. Below are those estimates.

Does being a commended scholar mean anything?

Commended Scholars are those that have a high score, but their results are lower than the selection index in their state. This year, the cutoff for Commended Scholars is 214.

Does a 1400 PSAT qualify for National Merit?

Does a 1400 PSAT Qualify for National Merit? Based on the scores of real grade 11 students who took the PSAT, a score of 1400 puts you in the 97th percentile. You may not qualify for the National Merit Scholarship with this score: it also depends on the cut-off scores of your state.

How do I list National Merit Commended on common app?

If you have fewer than five awards listed in your Honors section, feel free to include a National Merit designation here. Commended Student and Semifinalist should be listed at the state level, while Finalist and Scholar should be listed at the National level.

Do colleges care about National Merit Scholarships?

At the very least, doing well in the National Merit Scholarship Program can boost your odds in the college application process. Award amounts are the focus of many frequently asked questions about the scholarship program and its benefits, but dollars aren't the only measure of how Merit Scholars benefit.

What is the difference between commended and semifinalist?

In terms of college admissions, being a Semifinalist is generally considered more impressive than being a Commended Scholar, as it indicates a higher level of performance on the PSAT and participation in the National Merit Scholarship competition.

How impressive is National Merit finalist?

It's no wonder why many colleges are excited to welcome National Merit Finalists to their campuses—they're among the most sought-after students in the nation, having scored highly on standardized tests and having demonstrated academic excellence during their high school years.