lunaAndAberforth

To everyone claiming that one test cannot measure academic aptitude, I agree. But I also see reason for recognition.
I think the idea behind the PSAT/NMSQT is to exhibit consistency. In athletics, if one athlete performs well at every game and another has on/off days, who would be picked for next year's team?
In academics, if you can perform well on this one test, with a lot of pressure for acceptable results, you'll most likely do well on other tests. Of course, there all the students that just had a "good" day for the PSAT, but that's what the SAT verification is for.

That's just my take on it.

But, on topic, my school announces the NMSFs an commanded students many times throughout the year.
At the last day of school assembly, the principal explains the recognition and then calls up the juniors who will enter the next year's competition. We were given certificates and took a group shot for the school's website. It's been up all summer. We were also featured in the summer alumni magazine. In the fall, the NMSFs will get profile pages on the homepage of the school's website. All are recognized again at the academics award ceremony in January. And at the senior awards ceremony, all are called up and presented with another certificate. This awards ceremony also lists the colleges all seniors will attend in the fall, and announces all scholarships received. Special recognition is given to those with scholarship packages worth over $100k. (and acceptances to prestigious universities)

Our school is fairly well balanced in athletics and academics, but with very little support for the arts.

SocalPapa

A high PSAT score is not an academic achievement in and of itself. However, in the many decades the test has been used, the vast majority of those who have achieved the very highest scores on a given test date have enjoyed later academic success. Some colleges are so sure of the odds they are willing to give away large sums of money to attract these students (and to enjoy the resulting boost to their median SAT scores and rankings). That’s not to say other students won’t enjoy just as much (or more) academic success. They will. But the 15,000 kids in the NMSF pool are a decent bet.

Of course, giving money to the NMSF kids takes money away from students who might have done less well on that single test, but who are even more primed to succeed. That is not fair. But if you are a lower tier college, finding and getting the "very best" to apply and enroll in your school is a lot more work than just going after the kids who happened to ace the PSAT in their junior year.

ivygirl505

At my school it's not really mentioned or announced at the time, but at the end of year award recognition ceremonies the NMSF and NMF are mentioned. However, their accomplishments are permanently remembered because the names of the Semi-finalists and finalists are displayed on a banner that hangs from the ceiling in our commons. You see them every day. I'm excited to become a NMF (hopefully!) and be a part of this history at my school. I can understand why at some schools it isn't possible to list all the winners on a banner, plaque, etc, but at my school there are only 2-4 per year so it's more feasible.

mommaof5

To be fair it's not just one test. That is step one followed by a confirming score on the SAT, a transcript with good grades, a letter of recommendation from your principal and an essay.

But on topic: HS principal said that DS would be recognized at our annual honors awards night where students with a 3.5 receive recognition for their good grades. I believe that means he will explain the program and congratulate DS. A good way for underclassmen to hear about the opportunity.

Shibboleet

Once during announcements in the morning. It was followed right afterwards by a football game recap. 'Murica.

Opaline

My school gave us a pretty nice lunch with pizza, salads, sodas, and cupcakes for dessert. The principal and our grade administrator were there, as well as most of the counselors. Afterwards, they handed us the letter with the log-in info.

There wasn't any schoolwide announcement or anything, and nor do I think there should have been. I think it's a nice gesture - semifinalists get recognition without alienating other students.

However, finalists are all mentioned by name during the principal's speech at graduation each year.

perazziman

Son's school has a new Principal. The school did not make any major announcements. However, the NMSFs (my son said there were about 20 of them) were invited to the Principal's office for some cookies and soda. They were congratulated by the Principal. Then, I am told, all the Vice Principals and counselors came and congratulated them. Then, the Principal said they were the best and brightest at the school and would receive all the administrative support they needed in the college application process. It was a very nice way to make these children feel really special.

chaquefois

As far as I can tell, nothing at all. We were called at home and told to pick up a letter the next day. Nothing on the announcements, nothing on the website. Our names were listed on the district website. It's a bit of a bummer since my old school (where my brother got NMSF) made a big fuss over them. It was featured prominently on the website, there was some sort of recognition ceremony/breakfast, and they got sweet parking spots near the school. Oh well. :/

hpyscm

Is OP serious? Nmsf is hardly an achievement worth recognizing. I think that our school puts too much emphasis on that instead of other amazing things kids accomplish

Wolverine86

hpyscm...Why would you choose to belittle anyone's accomplishments? If you don't feel the need to celebrate your NMSF status that's your choice, but degrading the hard work and achievements of others is incredibly immature and short-sighted for someone who wants to attend a "top" university. On the bright side, your pretentiousness may be just what they're looking for. Good Luck in your college search.

ivyhopeful13

This is the process at our school (I was my school's only Semi-Finalist this year, so usually it's a much bigger deal):

Sept 4 - Principal announced my name to faculty at one of their whole-school conferences before classes start.

Sept 5 - Principal informed me (although I already knew from the thread on here).

Sept 7 - Classes started.

Sept 12 - Name announced publicly to entire school community, received certificate.

Sept 17 - Picture and article with Principal and Headmaster will appear on homepage of school's website.

May 17 - Special announcement will be made at Commencement.

comom2013

Our school didn't even inform the teachers. The counselors & principal congratulated the two from our school, and a counselor announced it at a meeting of the top 1% of the class (about 20 kids), but other than that, there's been nothing.

tjmom

Yes- my son's school had nothing also. As in, at senior night, I mentioned the need for the principal (who is brand new and my son and I have not met him) to write an endorsement letter and the head of guidance had no clue what I was talking about or that my son is a semi-finalist.

Longhaul

I harassed counselor for the letter. It got lost in the mail.

The headmaster & teachers were not notified.

No school announcement.
No newspaper article or anything of the like.

PennyPennyPenny

My son's school announced the names of NMSF's at school. Kids and parents are invited for lunch next week (which will be prepared and served by the "home ec" classes). It was actually a pretty good lunch when D was NMSF!