What is the difference between commended and semifinalist PSAT?

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 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.

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 PSAT score do you need for commended student?

To become a Commended Student, you must achieve a minimum score set by NMSC on your PSAT/NMSQT. This score varies from year to year but typically falls between 200-220 out of 240 total points.

What PSAT score gets you commended?

The number of top scorers is the most critical piece of information that we get this early in the process. There is a strong correlation between the 1400-1520 band of students and the Commended Student score. The Commended Student cutoff is likely to rise to 209 (above the 207 from the last 3 years).

What's a Good PSAT® Score? Updated for 2022-2023!

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.

What PSAT score do you need for National Merit Semifinalist?

National Merit cutoff scores

You can see that a Selection Index score of 221 would qualify a student for National Merit Semifinalist status in most states, but some states required higher scores, including Massachusetts, with a cutoff of 222, and New Jersey, with a cutoff of 223.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Does PSAT semifinalist matter?

While Semifinalist status is a nice award to list on your application, you should not expect it alone to have a significant impact on your admission chances at most colleges. The recognition tells college that you did well on the PSAT.

What does commended mean for National Merit?

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.

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.

Is 1470 a good PSAT score?

A good PSAT score is between 1210 and 1520, which would put you in the top 10% of test takers. The average score earned on the PSAT is about 920, and a “perfect” score on the PSAT would be the maximum score of 1520.

What is a good PSAT score for a sophomore?

For most students, a good PSAT score is above the 75th percentile, or a 1060. Sophomores can raise their scores by taking the PSAT again in their junior year.

What is the highest PSAT score?

While the SAT is scored in a range of 400–1600, the PSAT is scored in a range of 320–1520.

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.

How many people are National Merit Commended Scholars?

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.

How many people get commended National Merit Scholar?

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

Does a 1500 PSAT qualify for National Merit?

Is my PSAT/NMSQT score of 1510/226 sufficient for the semifinalist/finalist rounds of National Merit? Yes. It is above the semifinalist cutoff score in every state. Even the most competitive places (NJ, CA, MA) have cutoffs of ~1490, so you should be set for at least semifinalist.

What is the highest PSAT score 2023?

Composite PSAT Score

Finally, your two scaled scores will be added together to produce an overall composite score that ranges from 240 to 1440 for the PSAT 8/9 and 320 to 1520 for the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT.