<p>I don’t think it helps with HYPSM (maybe with less selective schools). The admissions officers know that it is just a reflection of how you did on one test, one day, junior year. At a school like that semi-finalist vs non-semifinalist is infinitely less important than SAT, ACT, essays, recommendations and even personality.</p>
<p>Honestly, I don’t think they ever sit down and admit one person because they have NMSF over one that doesn’t just because they are a NMSF (at highly selective schools). If they did it really wouldn’t make any sense as NMSF status is effectively just a reflection of a score on a somewhat easier version of the SAT. Not to mention it is easier to achieve NMSF in some states, so it is not equally reflective. </p>
<p>Now, as far as money goes, NMF can help a great deal at smaller schools/public unis. But I don’t think it will ever be the deciding factor over whether or not to admit someone to HPYSM.</p>