1. One hundred SBCUSD National Merit Scholars in the next four years
NMS100: Dream Big
One hundred SBCUSD National Merit Scholars in the next four years
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

2. Welcome Top Students!
“You are the elite. The best of the best. We’ll make you better.” --Tom Skerritt, Top Gun
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3. Objective and Overview
OBJECTIVE: To help students and families understand the benefits and the path to becoming a National Merit Scholar and the support the NMS100 program will provide.
OVERVIEW:
The Benefits
The Support
The Path
The Plan
The Requirements
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

4. The Benefits
Qualifying as a National Merit Scholar puts students at a level that opens the door to many opportunities:
An increased chance of admission to the best universities in the nation
More scholarship money
National recognition for your personal and academic achievements
Invitations to special programs
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5. The Support The NMS100 program supports students and families by:
Providing information students need to get into top colleges and programs
Giving students a plan for accelerated development
Providing individualized coaching and mentorship
Creating a collegial atmosphere where students can learn from each other
Scheduling guest speakers
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

6. The Path
Earning a qualifying score on the PSAT/NMSQT, taken in October of students’ junior year, is the first—but not the only step—to become a National Merit Scholar. However, since this is an overview, we will not cover the process in detail. Details will come after students qualify.
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

7. The Path: The Test
The NMSQT combines the scores on the math, reading and writing sections to determine the total score. Qualification is determined by cut scores, which change each year and are determined by state. Last year, California’s cut score was 223 out of 228 (or roughly 1480 out of on the PSAT scale).
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8. The Path: The Selection
Once students qualify, they go through additional cuts beyond the first level:
Commended
Semifinalist
Finalist
National Merit Scholar
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9. The Path: Semifinalists+
Once a student is chosen as a semifinalist, then the rest of a student’s academic record comes into play. What the National Merit Scholarship Corporation looks for in a finalist is what elite colleges look for: a stellar academic record, demonstrated intellectual passion, high levels of achievement in one or two areas, plus leadership and service.
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

10. The Plan
Success starts in the mind. It’s what students and their families know and believe about education that moves students from above average to National Merit Scholar.
Understand what world-class looks like
Adopt a pro-level work ethic
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11. The Plan: What is World-Class?
“Intellectual independence.” --UCLA “Intellectually curious.” –-USC “A zest to stretch the limits of their talent.” --Yale “How have you used your time?” --Harvard
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12. The Plan: Pro-Level Work Ethic
“Amateurs practice until they get it right. Pros practice until they can’t get it wrong.” –Melissa Friedman, author
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13. The Requirements
The program has minimal requirements, which do not extend much beyond what the best students should be doing—and probably are doing—anyway.
Register for academic coaching
Increase skills in math and English related to the PSAT/SAT
Take PSATs and practice PSATs
Maintain grades and a course load in line with admission to top universities
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14. Are you in or out? Time to decide.
Some of you are absolutely, positively… IN
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15. Are you in or out? Time to decide.
But some of you are out because you’re thinking…
You don’t need to try to become a National Merit Scholar.
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

16. Are you sure….? Admitted Freshman SAT Score Range College SAT Berkeley
Cal Tech
Columbia
Harvard
MIT
Princeton
Stanford
UCLA
USC
Yale
1 Estimated.
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17. Are you in or out? Time to decide.
But some of you are out because you’re thinking…
You can wait.
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

18. Are you in or out? Time to decide.
But some of you are out because you’re thinking…
It’s too much work.
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19. Are you in or out? Time to decide.
So, what is it?
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

20. Next steps
If you’re IN, fill out your form and then introduce yourself to the students and families who will be with you on your high school journey.
Turn in your form before you leave.
Create a Khan Academy account by the end of the week and add me and your parents as coaches.
Have a great summer!
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement

21. Additional Information
Website:
For links and resources, go to sbcusd.com/parents and click on ”NMS100.”
Phone:
(909)
©2019 SBCUSD Family Engagement