Hey, guys! I just got my PSAT scores, and I was wondering about the thresholds for National Merit. Does anyone know what a qualifying score might be for National Merit or where I can find that information? I'm just trying to figure out my chances. Thanks in advance!
Hey there! Congrats on getting your PSAT scores. The National Merit Scholarship Program uses a Selection Index to determine which students become Semifinalists and, eventually, Finalists. The Selection Index is based on your PSAT score and is calculated by adding your Math, Reading, and Writing scores, then multiplying the sum by 2. This gives you a score out of 228 points.
As for the actual qualifying scores, they vary by state and change each year, depending on the scores of students within a certain percentile. The Selection Index for semifinalist qualification typically ranges from around 209 to 222 depending on the state, with higher thresholds in more competitive areas.
To have a good idea of whether you'll qualify for National Merit, you can refer to previous years' Selection Index cutoffs for your state. These are often available on various websites through a simple search. Keep in mind that the cutoff scores are subject to change each year, so you should use past scores as a rough estimation rather than a definitive answer.
Once the cutoff scores are released (usually in the fall following the test), you'll know for certain whether or not you've qualified as a National Merit Semifinalist. Good luck!
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.