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[quote=Anonymous]Yes, the selection index is established for all states and DC, so if it’s 208 this year, that will be the Commended Scholar threshold for everyone in every state (and DC). The NMSF threshold is where the selection index varies by state (and DC).

In terms of whether to include it, I would do so if you don’t have other awards that are considered more selective and/or your list of awards doesn’t allow you to max out the category. On the Common App, you have five award slots, right? So if you have five or more other awards that are more selective and/or that help to cast your application in the best light possible, don’t use it. But if you only have four other awards, definitely use it.

On the UC App, ECs and awards are combined and you have 20 slots. If leaving out the Commended Scholar recognition leaves you with 17 slots filled, don’t even think about leaving it out. But if you have at least 20 other ECs and/or awards to use that all paint a better portrait of you than the NM Commended Scholar recognition, leave it out.

Also, if your score is high (but insufficient to meet the threshold for NMSF in your state), remember that you can specifically note your Selection Index so the reader understands the context. Your NM Commended Scholar status with a 220 Selection Index in California or Maryland or DC or another competitive state will obviously be perceived as a more impressive accomplishment than another applicant with NMSF recognition but a Selection Index of 213 in Montana or Mississippi, as an example.[/quote]

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