Hi everyone, so I took the PSAT recently, and I'm wondering what scores are usually needed to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Does it vary by state? Any info on cutoffs or what I should aim for would be awesome!
Hi there! Yes, the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) qualification does vary by state, as the cutoff scores are based on the Selection Index of your state's top 1% of test-takers. The Selection Index is calculated by doubling the sum of your Reading, Writing/Language, and Math scores on the PSAT. Generally, the scores range from low 210s to low 220s, depending on the state.
In order to get an idea of cutoff scores for your state, you can look up historical data from previous years, as the cutoffs tend to stay fairly stable or change only slightly from year to year. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines and can't guarantee qualification or disqualification, as the actual cutoffs from year to year might fluctuate.
Your goal should be to get the highest score you can. However, if you find that your score is very close to the historical cutoff for your state, it can still be worth it to prepare for the possibility of becoming a Semifinalist. If you do qualify, there will be additional steps such as the confirmation of SAT (or ACT) scores and the submission of an application to advance to the Finalist stage, where you have the chance to win scholarships.
In the meantime, focus on improving your test-taking skills and knowledge to maximize your score. 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.