Hey folks, I'm kinda confused about what scores we need to aim for the PSAT in order to be in the running for National Merit. Any insights on what range I should be looking at, especially with the competition seeming to ramp up each year?
Hey there! Wondering about a good PSAT score for National Merit consideration is a great question, and I'm happy to offer some insight. The qualifying score for the National Merit Scholarship varies by state and year, as it's based on the top 1% of test-takers in each state. Generally, you can expect the score to fall somewhere between the high 1300s and low 1500s out of 1520. For instance, a score of 1420 could be qualifying in one state, whereas 1480 might be needed in another. A useful tip is to look at historical data for your specific state to gauge what the qualifying scores have been in the past few years. Keep in mind, though, that these are just benchmarks, and you should aim for the highest score you can achieve. Good preparation and practice will serve you well. Hope this helps, and best of luck on your PSAT!
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