FAQ for the PSAT/SAT NMSF/NMF process.... :)

LOUKYDAD
Thu, 24 May 2018 20:23:03 +0000

@mathmomvt Good question. I don’t think anyone knows exactly. We were kind of in the same boat. DS took the SAT only for purposes of having a qualifying score for NM purposes, and scored a 1480. In his case we were only focused on what it took to get from NMSF to NMF, since he intended to go somewhere on an NMF full ride. He passed on taking another shot at the SAT for this reason. He put minimal effort into the essay as well, as he was in the middle of applying for honors programs and competitive scholarships.

He did not receive a $2,500 scholarship, despite a 35 ACT, 4.0UW/4.5W, National AP scholar, 13 APs and 3 DE classes, good ECs, leadership, etc. Of course I don’t know, but I imagine the 1480 and/or the weak essay are the reasons he did not receive one. No regrets in his case, since he has a full ride and received a $2k college sponsored award anyway, so he is technically a NM scholar regardless.

On another thread it was suggested to me that if they think you are in line for a college sponsored award they likely won’t award you one of the $2,500 awards. No idea if this has any merit or not. I don’t think it applied in DS case, since he had indicated “undecided” until mid March, when he designated Louisville as his first choice school. By that time I think the 2500 recipients would have been decided.