Should you put National Merit Semifinalist 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.

Should I put National Merit on Common App?

I'd say, look at the honors section, rank student's awards, and list the best ones. If National Merit Commended makes the cut, absolutely include it. I certainly wouldn't hide it or leave a blank space. And it definitely beats out science honor society or whatever.

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.

Should I put NHS on Common App?

Should I list National Honor Society or Cum Laude Society? Listing membership in these organizations is totally fine, but, rest assured, your National Honors Society affiliation isn't telling the admissions committee much that they cannot glean from other data points on your application.

Can I use my Common App essay for NMSC?

The Common Application essay should be well-edited and thought out, so feel free to use it for the National Merit application as well. There is nothing wrong with reusing an essay, but make sure to entirely answer the essay question.

What College Admissions Officers Really Look for in Common App Activities

Is 1480 enough for Nmsqt?

The average PSAT score is around 920 (460 in Math and 460 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing), while an outstanding PSAT score (one that will qualify you as a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist) is between 1420 and 1480.

Does National Merit look good for college?

Around 34,000 of these students receive Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. While these letters don't include a scholarship check, they look good to admissions offices and can be listed on your college application.

Does NHS look good on college apps?

Belonging to an honor society can add credibility to your college and scholarship applications, especially if the society is well-known, such as the National Honor Society (NHS). Honor societies highlight your academic achievements. This can be especially helpful when you are applying for scholarships.

Does NHS count as an honor on Common App?

Common achievements like National Honors Society, AP Scholar, and Honor Roll are honors that admissions officers often see fill this section, but they still help demonstrate your academic excellence!

Is NHS good for ivy?

Ivy League admissions counselors aren't impressed that you do an activity for three hours a week. And they're certainly not impressed that you're a member of the National Honor Society. In reality, there aren't too many Ivy League applicants who aren't members of their high school's National Honor Society.

Is National Merit Semifinalist a big deal?

This is considered a great honor that is documented in a Certificate of Merit. Around 15,000 semifinalists advance to this standing. Merit Scholars: About 7,500 seniors are notified in March that they received the designation of “Merit Scholar” and are awarded the $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.

How rare is National Merit Semifinalist?

Semifinalists. More than 16,000 of the high scorers, representing less than 1% of the nation's high school graduating seniors, will qualify as Semifinalists. Only Semifinalists will have an opportunity to advance in the competition for Merit Scholarship^® awards.

How prestigious is National Merit finalist?

Recognition: Being a National Merit Finalist is a significant achievement and can be included on college applications, resumes, and other professional documents. Increased college admissions chances: Many colleges and universities give preferential treatment to National Merit Finalists in the admissions process.

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.

Where does NHS go on Common App?

If you have an activity classified as academic, put NHS under community service or other club/activity. If you have an activity classified as other club/activity, put NHS under academic or community service. That way it shows that you have more of a variety of activities.

How important are honors in Common App?

The honors section is an excellent way for college admissions officers to gain an understanding of your strengths. Your activities section paints a picture of who you are outside the classroom, but the honors section is a demonstration of the things you really excel at.

Does being in NHS look good for college?

Do colleges care if you were in the National Honor Society? Colleges see it as a great asset if you were in the NHS! It will help round out your application and demonstrate that you earned good grades and participated in your community.

Is NHS an honor or extracurricular?

National Honor Society is an extracurricular high school club that promotes community service, and in many cases, students must qualify to join. Typically, high schools will require a certain GPA or test score to join.

Does NHS president look good for college?

Being a member has probably only mild impact on your college application, but taking leadership within NHS (e.g., president, vice-president) can show leadership in what may be a recognized program at your school.

What is the acceptance rate for NHS?

Students must be sophomores or juniors, have at least a 3.4 GPA and be enrolled in higher level classes to qualify for NHS. About 20 percent of sophomores and juniors receive letters to apply; 30 to 40 percent of applicants are admitted each year, she said.

What is the most prestigious high school honor society?

The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest academic honor society in the United States, and the most prestigious, due in part to its long history and academic selectivity.

What GPA gets you into NHS?

As you've probably guessed, you'll need strong grades—a minimum cumulative GPA of 85, B, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, according to national guidelines (although your school may have established a higher requirement). Your chapter adviser can explain the process in greater detail.

What happens if you are a National Merit semifinalist?

To compete for National Merit Scholarships, Semifinalists must advance to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several additional requirements. A Semifinalist can become a Finalist and compete for a Merit Scholarship award in only one program year.

Is National Merit Scholar prestigious?

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarship programs. And every year, over 1 million high school juniors enter the competition for a National Merit Scholarship.