Hi guys, I'm from New Jersey and I'm pretty set on becoming a National Merit Semifinalist. I'm not clear on what PSAT scores I should be aiming at. Could any of you enlighten me on this?
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses a selection index to determine National Merit Semifinalist eligibility, which is based on your PSAT scores. The selection index score is a weighted sum of your Math, Reading, and Writing section scores, each of which is on a scale of 8-38 on the PSAT.
The qualifying scores for National Merit Semifinalists vary by state and by year, depending largely on all test-takers' performance. Over the past several years, the New Jersey selection index cutoff has been one of the highest in the country, typically falling in the range of 221 to 223. It is important to remember that these numbers are not final or universally applicable, but they can give you a rough idea of the scores you should aim for.
So, to be competitive for National Merit Semifinalist in New Jersey, you would typically need a composite PSAT score above 1480, with no section score lower than around a 33. Be sure to prepare thoroughly by reviewing the related content and practicing under timed conditions to ensure you achieve the best score possible. Good luck with your test preparation!
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