The EDUFAX Educational FAQ

Question #109:

My Selection Index was 195 and I was in the 95th percentile. Do students in the 95th percentile get a Letter of Commendation? Are there any affirmative action or reverse discrimination tactics involved in the National Merit Program? (courtesy Drupha, Avondale, AZ)

Answer #109:

Each state has different selection criteria for Semi-Finalists and Letters of Commendation. The criteria are calculated by scores and percentages within each state. The Finalists are calculated nationally and through an Essay Competition. Usually, Letters of Commendation are given only to the 98th percentile and above, but you can verify the Selection Index for your state by contacting the Educational Testing Service (ETS), in Princeton, NJ, at: (609) 921-9000 or check out the ETS Internet site. The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is completely nondiscriminatory. There is no affirmative action or reverse discrimination involved in the score or the selection process. EDUFAX provides Verbal Test Prep Tutorials (PSAT/SAT I/SAT II/ACT).

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