Good NMSC Selection Index score?

Hi all! I'm trying to figure out what constitutes a good NMSC Selection Index score. Any idea what score range I should be aiming for if I want to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship? Thanks!

Hello! The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses the Selection Index score to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. To qualify, the Selection Index score you should aim for varies by state, as the qualifying scores are determined on a state-by-state basis.

The Selection Index is calculated by doubling the sum of your Reading, Writing, and Math section scores from the PSAT/NMSQT. The maximum Selection Index score you can achieve is 228. To give yourself a good chance of qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program, you should aim to score in the top 1% of test-takers in your state.

The exact score needed to qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist varies from year to year and by state. Historically, the cutoffs have ranged between 209 and 223, but they can change each year. Once Semifinalist status is achieved, students need to meet other requirements, such as submitting an application, a strong academic record, and endorsement from a high school official, in order to advance to the Finalist level and have the opportunity to receive a National Merit Scholarship.

To estimate the qualifying score for your state, you could look for data from previous years' cutoffs as a reference point. Keep in mind, though, that the cutoff scores can and do fluctuate, so it's not a guarantee that they will be the same this year. Good luck on your path to becoming a National Merit Scholar!