Well, glad to know I’m not the only one who did that. 
My friend told me the school had not even contacted her daughter about it…yikes.
2 Likes
That’s interesting; I haven’t heard that. It would lend to my kid submitting everywhere, but I’m hesitant if she’s below 25% (3 schools on her list).
Our school profile lists mean SAT and ACT scores in some detail - total and breakdown, and 25th and 75th percentile for SAT. (It also lists the % of APs that pass and the distribution between 3, 4 and 5.)
1 Like
Alaska and South Dakota are the states that went up by 5 points.
And C25’s first application is in! The University of Nevada, Reno is free to apply, requires no additional essays, and LoRs aren’t even optional there, they don’t accept them at all—so yep, the moment C25 could add NMSF to the “honors” list, in it went.
16 Likes
I think the feeling is that a 750 or 770 or what have you is a very good score. You wouldn’t want anyone to assume that you’re not submitting because the score is low.
2 Likes
Got some news here — S failed his first athletic pre-read. Not surprised in the least as it was a REAL long shot. So, two less essays to write and one less application fee to pay! And — he has finally started working on his personal statement. Alleluia PTL. He has two fall application dates — 11/1 and 11/15. I have been trying so hard to bite my tongue and not nag so I’m really happy he has moved forward on this without me saying anything.
15 Likes
I am sorry. Long shot or not I am sure it is still disappointing.
1 Like
UNR is affordable (even OOS), offers strong merit aid based on grades/scores, has a beautiful campus, and offers amazing access to the outdoors (Tahoe, Eastern Sierra, etc.). I’m sure you kid will have a number of great schools to choose from, but UNR is a great option. Feel free to PM if you have any questions.
6 Likes
Our large public high school usually has about 10-12 NMSF every year and this year it was only 4. Our state’s cut off went up by 2 points but it was still surprising to see such a small number.
3 Likes
Apparently Mass has 294 NMSF vs last years 379. NJ had ~475 which I am sure is close to 100 fewer than last year.
The number of actual NMSF fluctuates to get in close to the 16,000 target, somewhere between 16,000-17,000. My theory is that the new digital format benefited the “middle high” kids the most and the SI level just below the cutoff was over crowded.
Our CC has confirmed that the average score in the new format has gone up. The number of tippy top scores seems to be relatively stable but lots of 1300-low 1400 kids gaining 50 to 100 points.
2 Likes
It was interesting to see which kids from my son’s class are NMSF. The skew towards verbal definitely puts a different group in the spotlight. I have mixed feelings about this. I’m sure there’s a solid rationale for it but it definitely hurts kids for whom English isn’t the home language (and my son and all his mathy friends who ace the quant section missed the cutoff. Which is FINE. No sour grapes here – they get plenty of accolades and affirmation.)
2 Likes
Ironically, my 790 EBRW kid was the one who missed the cut off. But with a 223 cutoff you pretty much need a great score no matter the section.
2 Likes
I have kids in multiple schools and neither changed much (and one had more NMSFs this year - much closer to 2 years ago than last year, in fact).
Is yours a private school that typically has used SSAT/ISEE? Class of 2025 is first that probably didn’t require them for Covid- so kids being screened in may be different abilities at test taking? No clue …just a guess (and only makes sense if entry point is 9th:)
Hi y’all! I got NMSF and my counselor is pretty confident that I will get finalist, but can someone explain the chancing for that? My counselor makes it sound like anyone who puts in an application will become a finalist.
Almost everyone gets finalist - about 15000. It’s more a matter of filling out the application, not having disciplinary issues or terrible grades (multiple Cs and Ds)
3 Likes
Interesting, then what’s the essay for, lol. Okay, thank you!
I think maybe for actual scholarship consideration.
1 Like
Nope, public school.
1 Like
S25 just submitted all of his applications! So relieved. Seven applications, and they are all targets/likelies. He did mention wanting to potentially add Michigan to the list as a reach, but we will see if he gets the supplemental essays done or not. Honestly, it’s above what we want to spend for college, so I’m not going to encourage him to apply unless he really wants to. Now he just needs to follow-up with his teacher about the letter of rec.
National Merit application is also in, so hopefully he got all the information correct on that application. Definitely feels good to have this behind him!
Hope everyone is having a good weekend!
16 Likes
My daughter randomly said today “oh, I’m actually basically done with my common ap essay” 
Has hell frozen over?!
She has official visits this weekend coming up and the next…
13 Likes