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<p>Yes they do look at the SAT scores but more as a validation and possibly as a tie breaker rather than directly. An approximate conversion between PSAT and SAT is 10, so if you get a 235 on PSAT you should get around 2350 in your SAT. So if you get 2250 on your SAT, it is still within an acceptable range. But if you get 1950 on your SAT and 235 on your PSAT, the NMSC could get a little suspicious as to if the PSAT was a valid score. </p>
<p>The numbers I have heard is that your SAT score should be greater than (PSAT<em>10-200). So if your PSAT score is 225, then they expect that your SAT score will be at least 225</em>10-200= 2050. So does it mean someone with a PSAT with 225 but a SAT of 2040 will not advance? No, but they will look at the application very carefully.</p>
<p>That said there is also some sort of floor i.e. SAT scores should be greater than a certain number and I have heard numbers around 1950 i.e. all those who advance should have a SAT score above the floor and NMSC does not give the floor, so it is anecdotal. An SAT score greater than 2000 is considered safe (post #4)</p>
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<p>This is true but there is a caveat. Meeting or beating the state cut off on the PSAT scores is a necessary condition i.e. every one has to meet that condition. However, not everyone who meets that minimum will advance and post # 4 by mom2collegekids explains what else is needed. </p>
<p>There are about 16000 NMSF and 15000 NMF, so almost 93% advance to the next stage. Any student who follows the instructions given by mom2collegekids should advance. </p>
<p>Getting a scholarship is a different matter, it depends on a variety of factors including: Which college you want to go to, your major, your state or area of residence, your parents employer etc. Many students make it to NMF but do not get a scholarship, while others with not as good a record may get it just because their parents worked for a sponsoring company. To me everyone who makes it to NMF is a winner even if they do not get a scholarship.</p>