<p>Finalists are selected by reviewing SAT scores, GPA transcripts, essays, and school recs.</p>
<p>In reality, as long as the above are OK, a NMSF makes it to finalist. Only those who have some poor grades, a “too low” SAT (anything above a 2000 is ok), a discipline problem at school, or don’t do the paperwork/essay don’t make it. </p>
<p>As for Commended and such…it really doesn’t do much for the student. A few students are given the Corporate special NMF scholarships if their parents work for those corporations (and the companies do the special award).</p>