National Merit Scholarship scores

I recently took the PSAT and found out that it's connected to the National Merit Scholarship program. Can anyone tell me what PSAT scores typically qualify for the National Merit Scholarship? I'm a bit stressed and just trying to plan ahead. Thanks!

I completely understand your curiosity about the National Merit Scholarship and how it relates to your PSAT scores. In order to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program, you must be among the top scorers in your state. The cut-off scores for the scholarship vary each year and by state, because they are based on the top 1% of scorers within your state.

To provide some perspective, recent cutoff scores have generally ranged between 210 and 223, with some states having slightly higher or lower cutoffs. Keep in mind that these numbers change annually and can vary state by state.

It's important not to stress too much about the National Merit Scholarship program, as while it is a prestigious and beneficial scholarship, there are many other ways to receive scholarships and financial aid for college. In the meantime, focus on maintaining a strong academic record, engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, and researching other scholarship opportunities that best suit your interests and future plans. Good luck!