Hi everyone! So I’m a bit confused about the National Merit Scholarship thing. What score do I need on the PSAT to become a semifinalist? I keep hearing different things. If someone has a definitive answer or a recent cutoff score, that would be super helpful.
The cutoff score for the National Merit Scholarship through the PSAT can vary from year to year and also depends on what state you reside in, as it is calculated on a state-by-state basis. Generally, you'll need to score in the top 1% of test-takers in your state to qualify as a semifinalist. For instance, in a state with a cutoff of 220, if your Selection Index score (double the sum of your reading, writing, and math test scores) happens to be 221 or higher, you would likely qualify. It is recommended to check the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's official website for updates and to view past cutoffs to get an idea of what score you might need. Remember, these scores change annually, so use them as a general benchmark rather than an absolute target.
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