PSAT for National Merit — How Does It Work?

Hey all! I’ve heard that the PSAT can qualify you for National Merit scholarships, but I’m not really sure how it works. What score do I need to aim for, and is it the same for everyone or does it vary by state? Definitely feeling the pressure to get this right!

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking ahead about the National Merit Scholarship Program. You're correct that the PSAT/NMSQT—Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test—is the first step in qualifying for National Merit scholarships. The score you need to become a Semifinalist indeed varies by state, as it's based on the top scores within each state's high school juniors. This score is called the Selection Index, which is double the sum of your reading, writing and language, and math test scores.

To give you a ballpark figure, cut-off scores for Semifinalists in recent years have ranged from about 210 to 222 out of a possible 228. Remember, though, these are not set in stone and can change each year. You should aim as high as possible to increase your chances. When you get your PSAT scores, they'll come with a Selection Index score, and you'll want to compare that with the previous year's cut-off for your state to get an idea of where you stand. But the exact cut-off for the year you take the test won't be known until September of the following year. Keep up the good work, stay focused, and give it your best shot!