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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
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800

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Eligibility requirements for National Merit Commended?

Hey everyone, I'm going to be a junior soon and the PSAT is coming up. I want to know the eligibility requirements for National Merit Commended status. How do they decide who gets recognized? Thanks for any help!

a year ago

Hello! National Merit Commended status is awarded to students who perform well on the PSAT but do not quite reach the level required for National Merit Semifinalist. The eligibility requirements for National Merit Commended status are fairly straightforward. First, you must take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year (11th grade) to qualify.

The selection of Commended students is based on their NMSC Selection Index, which considers your Math, Reading, and Writing & Language section scores. Each section score ranges from 8 to 38, and the Selection Index is found by calculating the sum of all your section scores, then multiplying the sum by 2 (Selection Index = (English + Math + Reading) x 2).

The Selection Index score required for Commended status varies each year—it's usually around 207-210 on a scale of 48 to 228. Keep in mind that these cutoff scores fluctuate annually based on the performance of all test-takers, so the exact score needed may differ from year to year.

It's important to practice and prepare for the PSAT, as it's the only opportunity to qualify for National Merit recognition and potential scholarships. If you aim to achieve National Merit Commended or Semifinalist status, focus on improving your areas of weakness and honing test-taking strategies. Good luck!

a year ago

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