I don’t have the raw scores yet, but the school posted DS20’s scores on their site and I’m pretty pleased. He didn’t take them last year due to his mental health issues. He has come SO far! I hope his Honor Roll this quarter (and hopefully coming quarters), year-round lifeguarding job, and President of his E-sports club backs up his awesome test scores. He may be commended-he’s close-but no way there is anything more given his grades from last year. However, last year we almost lost him. I’m so freaking proud of him right now, I want to shout it from the rooftops. Sorry, you get the brunt of this, lol.
@redfraggle, that’s great news. Shout away! 
I just figured out how to get his SSI (is that the abbreviation??) and he has a 212. UGH! If it goes up by one point he’s out of being Commended. Something else to add to the worry list.
@redfraggle my money is on conmended going down one point this year!
@3scoutsmom That’s what I’m hoping but Art Sawyer is saying there could be a point increase. 
“Both the percentage of test-takers and the absolute number of test-takers in the 1400-1520 score range increased this year. We expect the Commended level to fall at 212 or 213 for the class of 2020.”
UGH! SO close. 212 is fine. 213? Hurts. I’m proud of him no matter what, but man he deserves this. Things are going to be rough considering where he was aiming pre-suicide attempt and knowing he’s good now (medicated, has therapy, has strategies, etc). I just want him to get a win and keep regaining that confidence. Honestly Commended doesn’t mean much financially, but hearing it would help him feel like he’s back. Going to cross my fingers for that 212 to verify.
Hate to disagree with Art but my thought is the harsher curve is going to hit the lower scoring states the most and they may have to lower their cut off to make the target number for NM and since commended is set as the lowest state’s cut off it may go down. Art’s been doing this much longer than I have but that’s my 2 cents;-)
@redfraggle Fingers crossed it will go down or stay at 212. Your son did really great.
@3scoutsmom Your logic seems very sound to me. As screwed up as the October 24th test curve was I would think it would have to have some impact. ( I realize that the 24th date usually only has 10% of the overall test takers but it still seems like it would have an impact.) My d20 doesn’t have her results back but I’m hoping she will make commended. Our school doesn’t have a lot of National Merit Semi Finalists so it’s a pretty big deal to get commended.
@redfraggle - Shout from the rooftops!!! It sounds like you have bigger, more important things to celebrate than National Merit. I’m so happy for you and your DS.
That is the truth. We celebrate everyday after the hell that was last year! I’d love for him to hear it from someone who isn’t me, but even if not, he seemed to realize it was a decent (haha) score. He agreed to attempt the Feb. SAT which he wouldn’t commit to before hearing this score. So many good things here.
@redfraggle, your post made me teary. I am so very glad that your son is still with you and thriving. It sounds like your family has gone through the worst kind of hell and come out on the other side strong and with good perspective of what’s important. My best wishes to the whole family.
@redfraggle, it’s wonderful to hear of your son’s recovery.
@redfraggle Sorry to hear about your son’s struggles. That is brutal, and I hope for your family’s sake he makes Commended. You’re right, probably not a financial win (my D17 was Commended), but It’s something to add to the resume! That was helpful for my D.
@redfraggle Mental health issue is very difficult for any family to deal with. I am so glad your son pulled through. From your post, I can tell he has such a supporting family. I am rooting for your DS being commended and all the good things to follow!!!
@redfraggle
So rooting for your DS to get the commended recognition! I don’t think I could imagine what your DS and your whole family had gone through last year, but so glad that you all pulled through such a difficult time, stronger.
@redfraggle Your post puts things in perspective, showing what’s really important. So glad your son is doing well now, and I hope he makes Commended.
@redfraggle my D20 also got a 212! Fingers crossed! I guess we don’t know until next August?!
Well too bad she can’t use sophomore numbers - dropped a point which will just throw her out of NMSF assuming the state stays them same. Stinks to be in a high cutoff state. She’d make it in 30+ other states.
So, those who have kids who have won NM in the past…did they list it as a national-level or state-level award, since cutoffs are by state?