<p>
This is accurate; however, students are notified in the preceding Spring that they will be recognized, meaning at least Commended. So it’s reasonable for rajasa to say that she has Commended status at this point.</p>
<p>
Not for everyone. Quote: “HMC National Merit Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year depending on financial need and grade level. Qualifying National Merit finalists who do not apply for or do not receive financial assistance will be awarded the minimum award of $1,000 per year.” [Ref: [HMC</a> Merit-Based Awards](<a href=“http://www.hmc.edu/admission1/costsandaid1/typesofaid1/scholarshipsandgrants1/hmcmeritbasedawards.html]HMC”>Merit-Based Scholarships | Admission and Financial Aid | Harvey Mudd College)] Full-pay families should also note that tuition is raised about 5% per year; need-based financial aid is adjusted accordingly, but merit aid is not.</p>
<p><a href=“209%20was%20the%20cut-off%20for%20the%20last%203%20years%20for%20Semifinalist%20status”>quote=“thefirstdude02”</a>.
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This is not accurate. The cutoff score for NMSF varies from state to state. Many states’ cutoff scores were below 209 this year, and many were above. Every September, CC members compare notes to determine the cutoff score for each state. See, for example, [the</a> final cutoff list in this year’s official PSAT cutoff thread](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1063359519-post1169.html]the”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1063359519-post1169.html).</p>
<p>@rajasa: With your academics and ECs, I think you’ll have a lot of great choices next April! In your quest for the best college, don’t forget “fit.” :)</p>