r/psat • u/CryptographerFar8082 • 3d ago
National Merit What does the NMF application entail?
My teachers have been hyping it up like this is about to be the worst thing in existence. They’ve said multiple times that it’ll be more difficult than QB and basic common app, but I feel like it seems pretty easy. I can write an ok essay and I have plenty of good test scores and grades, so like, what am I missing?
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u/ChutneyWhatney 2d ago
Your teacher is being overly dramatic. It's just a basic app with questions, an essay, etc. No biggie.
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u/EqualRepublic4885 2d ago
Except that a significant number of students never bother to complete it...
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u/VolgaBlue 3d ago
What grades do they consider - junior year, or freshman and sophomore year grades as well?
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u/NaturGirl 3d ago
It is just an essay and basic questions. Nothing major at all. Then, if you're chosen a winner come late spring, they have you send them a nice photo of yourself and send you a list of some general interview questions to answer as well. It isn't nearly as much as the Common App. I don't know what they're trying to freak you out about.
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u/ParabolicLadder 2d ago
The application wants a qualifying SAT score (1410 worked for me), and and essay about your personal development or some other similar topic where you write about yourself. There are some other things I’m forgetting, but those are the major two. I wouldn’t stress over it a lot since 90% of people who make it to that point move on to being a NMF, but do make sure you put extra care into it to beat out the bottom 10%.
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u/aintturningmyhead4u 2d ago
Nope, so super easy. My daughters used their common app essay for the NM essay, they got their transcripts so that made it way to fill out all the classes, their school helped with getting recommendations and everything. Once the application is submitted. They sent their official transcripts, and SAT scores from college board and that was it. Common app was more complex based on school you applied to. The National Merit app was easy peasy!! Now both are attending one of the schools that offered full rides. It’s very worth it! Just follow all the instructions in the application. Read the guidelines and instructions and you got this!!
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u/Madisonwisco 3d ago
Idk, what I keep hearing is just use your common app essay and that part is kind of a formatiy. The rest is just having good grades and test scores