What is the difference between commended and semifinalist?

Generally, the top 2%-3% of PSAT scorers receive commended student status, or about 34,000 students. This is certainly an accomplishment, but it means that these students did not receive high enough qualifying scores to be named a semifinalist this cycle, as usually semifinalists score in the top 1% of PSAT takers.

What is a semifinalist vs commended?

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.

What is the difference between National Merit Semifinalist and Commended?

Although Commended Scholars are honored based on a single, national cutoff, NMSC distributes Semifinalists proportionally to states (and District of Columbia and U.S. Territories) based on the number of graduating students in the state.

Does being a commended scholar mean anything?

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.

What does it mean to be commended National Merit?

Commended Students

In recognition of their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college, NMSC will honor these students by sending Letters of Commendation to them through their high schools.

National Merit Scholarship Program: What Is It and How It Works?

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.

Is National Merit Semifinalist a big deal?

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.

Is it good to be a commended National Merit Scholar?

The top 3-4% of scorers are named Commended Scholars—an impressive distinction to put on college applications. The top 1%, or about 16,000 students across the country, are named National Merit Semifinalists.

What percent of people get commended scholar?

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.

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.

How many people are commended for National Merit?

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.

What score do you need to be a commended National Merit Scholar?

Eligible students who have a Selection Index at or above the cutoffs will be named Semifinalists. Students who miss the Semifinalist cutoff will be named Commended Students if they have Selection Indexes at or above 207.

What does it mean to be a commended student?

In late September of their senior year, about two-thirds of the program recognition students receive a Letter of Commendation. 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.

How do I know if my National Merit is commended?

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 score do you need to be commended?

To become a Commended Student, one must score at or above the national selection index cut-off. This index varies each year but generally falls around 209-210 out of 240.

What does it mean to get commended?

/kəˈmend/ to formally praise someone or something: The judge commended her for/on her bravery. For a low-budget film, it has much to commend it (= it deserves praise).

What is the commended scholar cut off for 2024?

September 2023: The class of 2024 statewide SI cutoffs have officially been leaked! This year's National Merit Scholarship Selection Index cutoffs range from 207 (Commended, New Mexico, North Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming) to 223 (Washington D.C, New Jersey).

How rare is National Merit finalist?

A finalist chances of winning

Of the 1.5 million applicants who submitted a PSAT score, there are only 7,250 National Merit Scholarship winners. This means you have a 0.5% chance of becoming a National Merit Scholar, making this one of the most competitive merit-based scholarships.

How hard is it to be a National Merit Semifinalist?

Regardless of the exact cutoff for your state, all of the students who qualify earn high scores—less than the top 1% of high school students advance to become Semifinalists. The College Board includes this on your PSAT score report if you're eligible.

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.

Do National Merit Semifinalists get money?

Certain universities will also award sizable merit aid scholarships (up to full tuition), even for Semifinalists. A National Merit designation can help in the admissions process.

Have National Merit Semifinalists been announced 2023?

NMSC is excited to announce the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit® Scholarship Program.

How do you qualify for National Merit Semifinalist?

In general, students who score in the top 3-4% are named Commended Scholars, while students who score in the top 1% are deemed Semifinalists. Students are compared on a state-by-state basis. The NMSC's Selection Index ranges from 48 to 228 and is based on PSAT section scores.

How are National Merit Commended students chosen?

Commended Students

The quali- fying score for this level of recognition varies from year to year. 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.