PSAT Commended Scholarships

Hey guys, I've heard about National Merit Scholarships, but I'm also curious about commended scholarships for the PSAT. How do they work, and what are the benefits? Are they worth aiming for if I'm not in the running for National Merit?

Commended scholarships are a recognition given by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) to students who perform well on the PSAT but don't qualify for National Merit Finalist designation. While there isn't a specific scholarship associated with the commended status, it still has several benefits.

First, it's an acknowledgment of your strong academic performance and high PSAT score, which can be a positive addition to your college application. Earning a commended status can demonstrate to colleges your commitment to academic excellence since your performance on the PSAT is a testament to your abilities and preparation.

Second, some colleges and outside organizations provide scholarships specifically for commended students. While these scholarships are generally smaller in amount than National Merit Scholarships and may not be as widely available, they can still contribute to reducing college expenses. You'll need to research individual colleges and organizations to see if they offer such scholarships.

Lastly, commended status can serve as a confidence booster and motivator to work towards achieving an even better score on the actual SAT exam. The PSAT and SAT tests have a similar format, so performing well on the PSAT could be a good indicator of your potential success on the SAT.

In summary, even though commended scholarships may not provide the same level of financial or recognition benefits as National Merit Scholarships, they're still worth aiming for. Apart from potentially securing additional funding for college, being recognized as a commended scholar is a testament to your academic abilities and can enhance your college application.