National Merit Commended Scholar vs Semifinalist - what's the difference?

Hi folks! I'm trying to understand the PSAT National Merit process, and I was wondering, what's the difference between being a National Merit Commended Scholar and a Semifinalist? Do colleges view them differently? Thanks for your help!

Hello! The difference between a National Merit Commended Scholar and a Semifinalist lies in their respective PSAT scores and the subsequent stages of the National Merit Scholarship Program.

A National Merit Commended Scholar is a student who scored in the top 3-4% of all test-takers on the PSAT but did not meet the required score cutoff to advance to the Semifinalist stage. Though Commended Scholars do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, their high scores still demonstrate strong academic abilities, which can be valuable to mention on college applications.

A National Merit Semifinalist, on the other hand, ranks in the top 1% of all test-takers on the PSAT and moves on to the next stage of the competition. Semifinalists must submit additional application materials, such as their grades, a personal essay, and extracurricular activities, to be considered for the Finalist stage. Becoming a Semifinalist is seen as a more significant achievement in the eyes of college admissions officers due to its competitive nature and the association with potential scholarships.

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. However, both achievements showcase your academic prowess, and they can be beneficial when included in your college applications. Don't forget that colleges also consider other factors in the admissions process, so having a balanced profile with strong extracurriculars and grades is important too. Good luck!