December 14, 2020 By Ani

PSAT/NMSQT

PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Program

Students take the PSAT test in 10th and 11th grades. The PSAT is a pre -SAT test. The scores of the PSAT tests are not used in college admissions. However, students taking the PSAT test in their junior year qualify to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program. This is a selective program, and about 50,000 students out of roughly 1.6 million test taking juniors qualify for National Merit program recognition (this number changes each year). The program uses a selection index based on test scores to determine qualified students. The Selection Index is based on student’s reading, writing, and math scores x2. The highest Index Score is 228. Generally the top 50,000 students with a Selection Index of 212 can achieve the Commended Student recognition. Approximately 16,000 of the 50,000 pool become Semifinalists. The Selection Index requirement for this achievement vary each year. The Semifinalists need to complete additional requirements to be recognized as National Merit Finalists. Approximately the top 8,000.

Depending on the test takers/PSAT applicant pool this number can vary each year, but the selectivity level and the selection process remains the same.

As a recognized Semifinalist or Finalist, a student will also qualify to apply for other scholarships. Most colleges also offer special scholarships for these achievements.

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~ Student, BU Class of 2023, Lexington, MA
During a very challenging academic year for high school seniors, Ani kept my son motivated in college search and application process. She was well-aware of all the challenges that the students were facing in building a college list. She patiently helped my son engage in virtual visits while also helping him find appropriate virtual extracurricular activities. He had five admissions to top colleges and chose to enroll at UMass Amherst.”
~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, Lexington, MA
Ani Helped my daughter with college planning that included high school academics and extracurricular activities. She was encouraging and very thorough in answering our questions. My daughter was admitted to all her top choice colleges including one with a full scholarship. We are thrilled and grateful.”
~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, Worcester, MA
We had a great experience working with Ani. She was always patiently available to answer all our questions. She guided us through the college search and application process. My daughter was able to develop a well-researched college list and was admitted to her first-choice college. We learned to look for a college that is the best fit. It makes more sense.”
~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, Lexington, MA
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~ Parent, Philip A.
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~ Visiting Professor, Ara P.
I won't surprise you by saying that college selection process is not a simple one. More over, it is complicated, broad, and for the most part, the process can be quite overwhelming.
If you are looking for a college coach to guide your child with insightful and pragmatic yet caring approach, I highly recommend Ani Arakelian-Sahakian. Ani's insightful knowledge and expertise helped the process to feel somewhat simple for us, and get into the college of top choice for our child. I highly recommend Ani to parents and their college-bound children!"
~ Parent, Hasmik K.