National Merit Scholar Cutoff: How does it work?

Hey everyone! Can someone explain how the National Merit Scholar cutoff works? Is there a specific score we need to hit or does it depend on our school/state? Thanks!

Hi there! The National Merit Scholar cutoff is based on your PSAT/NMSQT score, which serves as the initial screen for program entry. The cutoff scores are determined by state, not by individual schools, as each state has its own cutoff score that fluctuates slightly from year to year.

The process works as follows:

1. When you take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of your junior year, your scores are automatically entered into the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

2. The Selection Index is calculated from your PSAT scores: your total is twice your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score, plus your Math score. For example, if you scored a 700 in Reading and Writing and a 600 in Math, your Selection Index would be 2000.

3. Approximately a year after you take the PSAT, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) releases state-specific cutoff scores for Semifinalist consideration. These cutoffs are the top Selection Index scores in each state.

4. If your Selection Index meets or exceeds your state's cutoff, you'll be named a Semifinalist. Around 16,000 students achieve Semifinalist status, which is approximately the top 1% of test-takers in each state.

5. Semifinalists then have the opportunity to apply for Finalist standing by submitting additional information such as their academic record, an application essay, information about their extracurricular activities, and a letter of recommendation.

The NMSC selects about 15,000 students as Finalists, and from this pool, around 7,500 students receive National Merit Scholarships. Keep in mind that the exact cutoff score varies by state and may change slightly each year, but it generally falls within a predictable range.

Good luck, and I hope this explanation helps!