Hey guys, I just took the PSAT and I'm wondering if I might qualify for National Merit. What's the usual cutoff score for National Merit consideration? Does it vary by state?
Hello! The National Merit Scholarship Program uses the Selection Index to determine which students qualify as Semifinalists. The Selection Index is calculated by doubling the sum of your Reading, Writing, and Math scores (not to be confused with your total PSAT score). The cutoff score for National Merit Semifinalists does vary by state, as it is based on the top 1% of test-takers in each state.
The cutoff scores can typically range between 210 and 222 (out of 228), with states having higher or lower thresholds depending on the competitiveness in that region. For instance, more competitive states, such as California, Massachusetts, and New York, often have higher cutoff scores.
Other states may have lower cutoffs due to varying levels of competition. To have a clearer idea of what score you'll need to qualify in your specific state, you can search online for historical data on past years' National Merit cutoff scores, as they don't change drastically from year to year.
Keep in mind that the National Merit Scholarship Program is just one of many scholarship opportunities available to students, so even if your PSAT score doesn't meet the cutoff for your state, there are plenty of other opportunities to explore! Good luck!
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