Sooo I'm considering entering the National Merit Scholarship Competition, and I'm not really sure what a 'good' NMSC score looks like. What score should I be aiming for to increase my chances?
To be considered in the National Merit Scholarship Competition, you'll need a high PSAT/NMSQT score. The selection process for this scholarship primarily relies on your PSAT/NMSQT performance.
There's no fixed 'good' NMSC score per se as it varies by state due to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's use of a state-by-state system. Each state has a different cutoff to become a semifinalist which is typically the top 1% of students in that state.
As a reference, for the most recent academic year, cutoff scores ranged from around 209 to 224. The maximum PSAT/NMSQT score is 228 (76 on each section of math, reading, and writing). However, cutoffs can fluctuate a bit each year based on the distribution of scores.
For a comprehensive breakdown of where each state's cutoff score has fallen in recent years, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/national-merit-cutoffs/. Again, these might not be the exact cutoffs for next year, but they should give you a general idea of where to aim.
Certainly, the higher your PSAT/NMSQT score, the better your chances in the competition. A score around or above the previous year's cutoff in your state would increase your likelihood of becoming a semifinalist. Please remember that a high PSAT/NMSQT score is necessary but not sufficient for the scholarship as semifinalists also have to submit an application with an essay to potentially become a finalist and win the scholarship.
To prepare effectively, consider taking practice tests through the Bluebook™ app since it allows you to preview and practice the digital PSAT/NMSQT, helping you to get familiar with the test format and understand the types of questions you'll encounter on the actual test day.
Make sure to also maintain strong academic performance in school, as your academic record will be evaluated when determining the National Merit Scholarship winners from the finalists. Good luck!
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