Hey everyone! I've been studying for the PSAT and I'm trying to get a good score for National Merit. Does anyone know the selection index cutoffs for NMSQT in various states? Or where can I find this information? Thanks!
The National Merit Scholarship Program uses the Selection Index (SI) to determine semifinalists, which varies by state each year. The SI is based on your PSAT scores and calculated by doubling the sum of your three test section scores (Reading, Writing and Language, and Math). It ranges from 48 to 228.
The cutoffs are usually determined based on the top scores from the most recent test-taking population within each state. Since the cutoffs vary by state and by year, it's difficult to provide specific numbers. However, there are a few websites and blogs where you can find estimated cutoffs based on previous years. CollegeVine is one such resource that often publishes updates and lists of estimated cutoffs.
Keep in mind that these cutoffs are subject to change, so treat the information from these resources as rough estimates for your planning purposes. Please continue working hard and aim for the highest score you can achieve to maximize your chances of qualifying as a National Merit semifinalist.
Good luck with your PSAT preparation!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.