I'm really hoping for a National Merit Scholarship. What was the recent Texas National Merit cutoff? How much does it change each year?
The National Merit Scholarship Program determines semifinalists based on the Selection Index score obtained from the PSAT/NMSQT. The Selection Index scores vary from year to year, and each state has its own cutoff. For Texas, the recent National Merit cutoff has generally been in the range of 218 to 221. However, it's important to note that this number can fluctuate slightly each year based on the performance of students within the state.
Although focusing on a strong PSAT/NMSQT score is important, it's essential to concentrate on your overall academic and extracurricular profile, as the National Merit Scholarship Program considers several factors in addition to the Selection Index score. Remember that you will also need to demonstrate strong academic achievement and potential, as well as get involved in various extracurricular activities to showcase your well-roundedness and dedication, which are desirable qualities for potential scholarship recipients.
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