National Merit Scholarship Selection Index

Hey everyone, I've heard about this thing called the National Merit Scholarship, but I'm not really sure what the selection index is. Can someone please explain how it works and how they determine if you qualify for the scholarship based on your PSAT scores?

Sure! The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition that uses the PSAT/NMSQT scores to identify high-achieving students. They first look at a student's Selection Index, which is a specific score calculated using the PSAT/NMSQT scores, to determine eligibility for the scholarship.

The Selection Index is calculated by adding your scores in the three PSAT/NMSQT sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW), Math, and Writing. You'll usually find a score range from 8-38 for each of the three sections. To calculate your Selection Index, follow these steps:

1. Add the three section scores

2. Multiply the sum by 2

For example, if your ERW score is 33, Math score is 31, and Writing score is 34, your Selection Index would be:

(33+31+34) x 2 = 196

Each year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) sets a Selection Index cutoff based on the top 1% of scores in each state. This cutoff can vary slightly from one state to another and from one year to another. If your Selection Index meets or exceeds the cutoff for your state, you'll be designated as a "Semifinalist."

Semifinalists then have the opportunity to complete an application with additional requirements, such as essays, recommendations, and more, in order to become a "Finalist." The NMSC selects National Merit Scholars from the pool of Finalists based on a variety of factors, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership, and more.

Remember that the selection process is competitive, so it's important to do well on the PSAT/NMSQT and maintain strong academic and extracurricular records throughout high school. Good luck!