<p>Here are the official dates from NMSC for commended and NMSF students</p>
<p>34,000 Commended Students. In late September 2010, more than two-thirds of the 50,000 high scorers will receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise, but they will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships. However, some of these students may be candidates for
Special Scholarships provided by corporate and business sponsors.</p>
<p>For those moving on, schools may get the information earlier than Sept. 2010 i.e. in late August and some schools (mandated in some states like MN) may not release the names of the SF in their school until after Labor day. With a 229, your child will be a NMSF.</p>
<p>16,000 Semifinalists. In early September 2010, nearly a third of the 50,000 high scorers will be notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. Semifinalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state. NMSC will notify them through their schools and provide scholarship application materials explaining requirements to advance in the competition for National Merit Scholarships to be offered in 2011.</p>