The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic recognition programs in the United States. Each year, the program recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, as evidenced by their scores on the PSAT/NMSQT. Among those recognized are Commended Scholars, a distinction that places these students in the top 3-4% of PSAT test-takers nationwide.
For students wondering if they might be among the Commended Scholars, the answer lies in their PSAT scores. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses a Selection Index score to determine who receives recognition. This score is calculated using a student’s performance on the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math sections of the exam. The Selection Index ranges from 48 to 228, with higher scores idicating greater academic ability.
To be named a Commended Scholar, a student must score at or above the national minimum qualifying score for the PSAT/NMSQT. For the 2022 scholarship cycle, this qualifying score was 207. Students who meet this threshold are notified through their high schools in September following the test administration. While not all students who meet this standard will be recognized as Commended Scholars, those who do can take pride in their academic accomplishments and the distinction that comes with this recognition.
Being named a Commended Scholar can be an impressive addition to a student’s college application. Colleges and universities value academic achievement, and recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program can indicate to admissions officers that a student is a high-achieving scholar. Additionally, being a Commended Scholar can open doors to other academic and scholarship opportunities.
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability on the PSAT/NMSQT, with Commended Scholars being among the top 3-4% of test-takers nationwide. Students who score at or above the national minimum qualifying score for the exam, currently 207, are eligible for recognition as Commended Scholars. While not a guarantee of future success, being named a Commended Scholar can be a source of pride and an impressive addition to a student’s college application.
What Is the Required Score to Become a Commended Scholar?
To be recognized as a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program, students must achieve a minimum qualifying score on the PSAT/NMSQT. Specifically, for the 2022 scholarship cycle, the minimum qualifying score required to become a Commended Student was 207. It’s worth noting that while the Commended Student designation is a high honor, it does not qualify students for a monetary scholarship award. However, Commended Students may still be eligible for other scholarships based on their academic achievements and other qualifications.
Notification of National Merit Commended Scholars
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for high school students in the United States. The participants take the PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as an initial screening of approximately 1.6 million students each year. Out of those students, about 50,000 are recognized for their outstanding performance, eithr as Commended Scholars or as Semifinalists.
Commended Scholars are students who scored high enough on the PSAT/NMSQT to meet the program’s eligibility requirements but did not advance to the semifinalist round. These students are recognized for their exceptional academic promise and represent the top 3-4% of test takers.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) notifies Commended Scholars through their respective high schools in September following the test administration. The notification typically includes a letter of commendation from the NMSC and may also include other information about scholarships and recognition opportunities.
It is important to note that being recognized as a Commended Scholar does not make a student eligible for a National Merit Scholarship. However, it is still a significant achievement and can enhance a student’s college applications and resume.
Commended Scholars are notified of their recognition through their high schools in September following the PSAT/NMSQT test administration. This recognition represents exceptional academic promise and can provide valuable opportunities for further academic and career success.
Determining If You Are National Merit Commended
National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognizes and awards students who score exceptionally well on the PSAT/NMSQT. The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test tken by high school students in their junior year. NMSC compares the PSAT scores of students with those of other students in their state using its own Selection Index, which falls on a scale between 48 and 228.
To be recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar, a student must score in the top 3-4% of test takers. This means that if you took the PSAT/NMSQT and scored above a certain cutoff score, you may be recognized as a Commended Scholar. However, it’s important to note that being recognized as a Commended Scholar does not come with a scholarship award.
If you are recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist, you will be notified by your high school in September of your senior year. NMSC will send a letter to your school, and your school will notify you of your status. To be recognized as a Semifinalist, a student must score in the top 1% of test takers, which is usually around 16,000 students nationwide.
If you scored in the top 3-4% of PSAT/NMSQT test takers, you may be recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar. If you scored in the top 1%, you may be recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist, and you will be notified by your high school in September of your senior year.
What Is the Percentile for a Commended Scholar?
A Commended Scholar is a student who has scored in the top 3-4% of test-takers on the PSAT/NMSQT. This is a prestigious achievement that can be included on college applications to showcase academic excellence. It is important to note that being a Commended Scholar does not make a student eligible for National Merit Scholarship consideration. However, it is still an impressive distinction that can be a valuable addition to a student’s academic profile.
Conclusion
Being named a Commended Scholar is a great achievement for any high school student. This recognition is awarded to the top 3-4% of PSAT test takers across the country and serves as a testament to a student’s hard work and dedication. It is an impressive distinction to include on college applications and indicates to admissions committees that the student has excelled academically. While not qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship, beng named a Commended Scholar is still a great honor and should be celebrated by students, their families, and educators alike. It is a clear sign of academic excellence and a promising future for the student.
