National Merit Finalist (Class of 2019) - rejection/acceptance letter

texaggie · January 11

NMF rejection letter this week(2nd wk) or next(3rd wk) week?

I am trying to stop worrying about rejection and start looking forward to February's acceptance letter. Thanks,

kdnmom · January 11

In prior years there were lengthy threads about this but not so much this year for some reason. From what I've read in those threads, rejection letters were mailed in the middle of the month (1/16 last year, IIRC) and started being received right after MLK day. If you don't get a rejection letter by the end of January, you're probably safe.

Anxious here, because DS19 is "on the bubble" since he has a C on his transcript (one semester, AP Euro, Freshman year). UW GPA 3.7, Weighted 4.4 in a challenging IB program, but you never know if that one C will kill you...

Reebtoor · January 11

@texaggie Thanks for starting this thread! Last year's letters were dated Jan 16th and the first one received was on Jan 18th with most arriving at homes the following week. The information I have doesn't list when the letters will be sent this year.
MLK Day was 1/15 last year & is 1/21 this year, so I don't know if that will change the mailing date or not.
The schedule I have in front of me from NMSC says notification to high school principals will be mailed Feb 4th with letters to Finalists at their home address being mailed Feb 11th.
Last year, mailing date was 2/5 with the first letter received (by a homeschooler - so the principal mailing) was 2/7. There were some Finalists who received their letter at home before their school notified them.

@kdnmom Good luck to your S19! What state are you in?

kdnmom · January 11

Reebtoor, thank you! We're in Florida.

Ranipetgirl · January 14

There is a post on cc that says that their kid has gotten a rejection letter already.

mountainmomof3 · January 14

Ok - now I will be obsessively checking USPS informed delivery....

KatzHerder · January 14

@mountainmomof3, I triple checked today's informed delivery already. I'm right there with you!

mountainmomof3 · January 14

@KatzHerder - I “think” S19 is fine (1570/3.98/4.3) but when so much money is riding on this final step, I just want official notice. (Which I realize is later but for now I will settle for no news is good news.) I first learned of informed delivery following last year’s thread. Best thing ever!

texaggie · January 14

@Ranipetgirl could you copy link about reject cc post.

so far, so good! No mail from NMSF.. Good Luck everyone.

Ranipetgirl · January 14

@texaggie I am not sure I am doing this right. Here is the link
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/2121433-how-to-file-an-appeal-of-a-national-merit-finalist-rejection.html#latest

Ranipetgirl · January 14

Nothing in today's mail

texaggie · January 14

If snail mail was received in East Coast today(Monday 14th), most mail should distribute by Wed/Thursday.

For South/SW, biting my nails for next two days....

homerdog · January 15

Why would someone be rejected? Is it always grades? And is it usually a C that’s the problem?

Reebtoor · January 15

@homerdog Usually, at this point, the assumption is grades. Not submitting a full Finaliat package could be a reason, especially not having/submitting a qualifying SAT score, but I don't know if those kids actually get the rejection letters or if they just never hear back since they didn't finish the process.
A bad letter of recommendation could theoretically be an issue - or a disciplinary issue - but the student should know about that I would assume.
There have been several cases of Cs being mentioned as the reason for not making Finalist status. One yearlong or semester C might do it, but some have been able to achieve Finalist with those grades. That's why some kids "on the bubble" ask every year.

kdnmom · January 15

I've been hitting refresh on Informed Delivery all morning. Nothing from National Merit so far. Fingers crossed!

Any other "on the bubble" parents/students out there? Good luck!

texaggie · January 15

@kdnmom I don't think your Senior is 'on the bubble' and here is why?

According to requirement and instruction 2019 NMSP.
"noticeable decline in your academic performance during the current year" - that's current year, not 9th grade.

5. Have a record of consistently very high academic performance in all of grades 9 through 12 and in
any college course work taken. Your school must provide a complete record of high school courses
you have taken, grades earned, and course work you will take in grade 12. The school should also
notify National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) of any noticeable decline in your academic
performance during the current year. If you are now in college, high academic performance must
continue and must be documented by an official transcript of your record (see instructions on page 2
of this document).

CC, Thanks for all your Informative posting and support, it a big help.

All that busy High school work and too many application deadlines, one or more can trip up.

1. NMSF requirement (semi-final)
2. Enrolled in school for last semester
3. Citizenship
4. Endorsed Principal/Counselor Lor
5. High academic 9-12 (current year - most important)
6. Not submitting 4 Page Application in time Oct 10th
7. Pass SAT & make the Dec deadline

Reebtoor · January 15

@texaggie
I'm assuming by "current year - most important " you mean 11th grade since NMSC didn't ask for grades from 12th at all on the application (Or later).
I should add to my previous list that I've also never heard of any applicant assuming they've been denied for not listing enough ECs (volunteering or clubs).

momcatof4 · January 15

Good luck to everyone!! My D19 has come into this whole process taking nothing for granted, knowing that 1 out of 16 will not go on, and her recs, essay, scores and grades (1570, 4.0/5.05) may or may not guarantee her NMF.

TheBigChef · January 15

Anyone know if a 1500 SAT will be good enough for a confirming score?

mountainmomof3 · January 15

@TheBigChef - More than enough.

texaggie · January 15

@Reebtoor yep, I forgot Senior grades weren't posted on Oct 10.
You know, I guess 11th grade earned and course work you will take in grade 12 matters.

I'm starting to believe grades are less important when considering finalist.
I still believe one C in 9th doesn't matter. I will be more concerned if multiple C's as a Junior and taking some very easy classes in 12th.

National Merit Finalist (Class of 2019) - rejection/acceptance letter

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