PSAT Selection Index Score

Hi there! I just took the PSAT and heard something about this thing called a 'Selection Index Score'? Can anyone explain to me what that means and why it's important? Really not sure what to make of it.

Absolutely, the PSAT Selection Index score is crucial as it's the value that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses to select the semifinalists and commended students in their scholarship competition. It's calculated differently from your total PSAT score.

Your Selection Index score is the sum of your Reading, Writing and Language, and Math section scores, each of which has a maximum value of 38. After adding them together, you multiply the total by 2. This means your Selection Index score will range from 48 to 228.

The high scorers (top scorers in any individual state) can qualify as National Merit Semifinalists. These Semifinalists have a chance to become Finalists and potentially win a National Merit Scholarship. The semifinalist cutoff varies by state and can change from year to year based on the top 1% of scorers in that state.

Additionally, students with scores just under the Semifinalist cutoff may receive recognition as National Merit Commended students. While these students don't continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, being recognized as a Commended Student can still be a nice accolade and something to list on college applications.

Keep in mind that while being a National Merit Semifinalist or even a Scholar can be impressive, it's just one of many factors that colleges consider during the admissions process. Achieving this is a commendable accomplishment, but there are plenty of other ways to demonstrate academic excellence and potential to colleges.