April 13 Update
Compass has confirmed that this year’s Commended Student cutoff has fallen to 208. Based on the lower number of top scorers in this year’s class, the drop was expected. Fewer students achieved 700-760 scores in Reading & Writing (RW) scores, and RW receives double the weighting of Math when calculating the National Merit Selection Index. The decline is also likely to ease the vertiginous Semifinalist cutoffs seen in the Class of 2026. Compass will update Semifinalist estimates in the coming days. The initial estimates already assumed a Commended cutoff of 208 or 209.
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Compass projects lower qualifying scores for the Class of 2027
The junior year PSAT is also the NMSQT — the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Each year, National Merit recognizes the top 57,000 test takers. In order to be included in that group, students need to be among the top 4% of the 1.4 million students who take the PSAT. Of that elite group, approximately 17,000 are recognized as Semifinalists for having the highest scores within their states. Semifinalists have the opportunity to continue in the program to become Finalists and, potentially, scholarship recipients. The remaining 40,000 students are recognized as Commended Students. More information can be found in our National Merit Explained post.
For the Class of 2027, the exact scores needed to qualify (“cutoffs”) will not be released until September 2026 (the Commended cutoff is likely to leak in April). In order to give students context for their test results, Compass has analyzed the scores from the October 2025 to produce estimates for the national Commended cutoff and the individual state cutoffs. We predict that the majority of state cutoffs will decline this year.
National Merit uses the Selection Index (SI), found on the PSAT score report, to rank students. The Selection Index can be calculated by doubling the Reading & Writing score (RW), adding the Math score (M), and dividing that sum by 10. For example, a student with a 720 RW and 700 M score has a Selection Index of 214 — (720 x 2 + 700)/10. The weighting of the index means that not all students with a 1420 Total Score have the same SI. A student with a 700 RW and 720 M has a Selection Index of 212. The highest SI a student can receive is 228 (760 RW and 760 M). Last year, the Commended cutoff was 210, and Semifinalist cutoffs ranged from 210 to 225 depending on the competitiveness of the state.
Why do we foresee lower cutoff scores?
College Board does not release any information about the distribution of Selection Indexes, but it does produce summaries of broad score ranges. The number of students in the 1400 – 1520 Total Score range has proved to be an excellent indicator of the Commended cutoff. The Class of 2027 saw 16% fewer top scores than did last year’s class. The 52,400 students at 1400 and above is closer to what we saw two years ago with the Class of 2025 and, going back further, similar to the results for the Classes of 2017 and 2021. [Figure updated to reflect that we now know that the Commended cutoff is 208.]
Most of the students who will qualify for National Merit recognition fall in the 1400 – 1520 band (or just outside it). With approximately 10,000 fewer students in the top band of scores this year, we expect the Commended level to drop to 208 or 209. The chart below shows the historical relationship between high scores and the Commended cutoff. [The cutoff dropped to 208.]
Explaining why last year’s cutoffs reached record levels
After examining this year’s numbers, we also have a better understanding of why Semifinalist cutoffs jumped to such extreme levels last year, and why it should not happen again. The 2024 PSAT saw an unprecedented 18% jump in the number of high Reading & Writing scores (700-760). The weighting of RW in the Selection Index magnified the impact of that change. The table below shows scores for the last three years and how results have fluctuated.
On the 2025 PSAT, the number of high RW scores dropped by 27%. In fact, the RW count for this year is even lower than it was two years ago. The decline in RW scores could even produce Selection Indexes lower than those in the Class of 2025 — at least in some states. The Commended cutoff may provide additional insight in the spring.
The ratio of 700+ M scores to 700+ RW scores reveals just how bizarre last year’s spike was. Traditionally, Math scores have higher distributions at the extremes. There are more very high Math scores on the PSAT and SAT, and there are more very low Math scores.
On the October 2024 PSAT, though, almost as many students scored 700-760 on RW as did on Math. The ratio of high Math scores to high RW scores was 1.02. This helps explain why some cutoffs went as high as 224 and 225 for the first time ever. Students achieved 750 and 760 RW scores in record numbers. In most years, there would be more students scoring 730 RW and 760 M (222 SI), for example, than scoring 760 RW and 730 M (225 SI). That was not true in the the Class of 2025, where there was a more equal distribution. It appears that scores for the Class of 2027 have returned to the traditional Math-heavy distribution. The ratio of high Math scores to high RW scores was 1.33 on the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. For this reason, we don’t believe we will see a repeat of the 224 and 225 cutoffs seen last year.
Was last year a fluke, shift, or a trend?
The results from the Class of 2027 have answered one of the nagging questions from last year: Were the high cutoffs a fluke, shift, or trend? The answer appears to be fluke. More accurately, results could be labeled an error in test construction and scaling. There is no evidence that the Class of 2026 possessed special test-taking skills. As sophomores, that class performed in line with expectations on the 2023 PSAT. There is no evidence that the Class of 2027 has diminished skills. As sophomores, the class saw the same inflated scores as did the juniors on the 2024 PSAT. The best explanation is that College Board lost control of the scale. College Board dramatically shortened the PSAT when it switched from paper to digital. On the paper test, the Reading and Writing sections had 91 questions, and students were given 95 minutes. The RW on the digital PSAT is truncated to 54 questions over 64 minutes. And only 50 of the questions count toward a student’s score! A shorter exam means a less reliable exam. We saw the occasional wild ride on the paper PSAT, but the rides may get wilder and more frequent on the digital PSAT.
We anticipate the majority of state Semifinalist cutoffs to decline for the Class of 2027. Knowing this overall trend, however, doesn’t tell us which states will be in that majority or how much lower scores will go. The table below provides a Most Likely cutoff score, but the more useful information is the Estimated Range. Almost all cutoffs should fall within that range.
State | Class of 2027 (Most Likely) | Class of 2027 (Est. Range) | Class of 2026 (Actual) | Class of 2025 (Actual) | Class of 2024 (Actual) | Avg NMSFs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 213 | 210 - 216 | 214 | 212 | 210 | 250 |
| Alaska | 214 | 210 - 216 | 215 | 214 | 209 | 35 |
| Arizona | 218 | 215 - 220 | 218 | 217 | 216 | 398 |
| Arkansas | 213 | 210 - 216 | 215 | 213 | 210 | 143 |
| California | 223 | 220 - 224 | 224 | 221 | 221 | 2,115 |
| Colorado | 218 | 216 - 221 | 219 | 218 | 216 | 286 |
| Connecticut | 222 | 220 - 223 | 223 | 221 | 221 | 175 |
| Delaware | 219 | 218 - 221 | 220 | 219 | 219 | 44 |
| Florida | 217 | 216 - 220 | 219 | 217 | 216 | 999 |
| Georgia | 219 | 217 - 221 | 220 | 218 | 217 | 602 |
| Hawaii | 218 | 215 - 220 | 219 | 217 | 217 | 62 |
| Idaho | 214 | 211 - 217 | 215 | 213 | 211 | 96 |
| Illinois | 220 | 218 - 222 | 222 | 220 | 219 | 704 |
| Indiana | 217 | 214 - 219 | 218 | 217 | 216 | 313 |
| Iowa | 213 | 211 - 216 | 214 | 212 | 210 | 145 |
| Kansas | 216 | 213 - 219 | 216 | 215 | 214 | 144 |
| Kentucky | 214 | 211 - 217 | 214 | 213 | 211 | 201 |
| Louisiana | 215 | 212 - 218 | 216 | 214 | 214 | 222 |
| Maine | 215 | 212 - 217 | 217 | 214 | 213 | 55 |
| Maryland | 223 | 221 - 225 | 224 | 222 | 221 | 308 |
| Massachusetts | 223 | 221 - 225 | 225 | 223 | 222 | 318 |
| Michigan | 219 | 216 - 220 | 220 | 218 | 217 | 485 |
| Minnesota | 218 | 216 - 220 | 219 | 217 | 216 | 279 |
| Mississippi | 213 | 210 - 215 | 213 | 212 | 209 | 155 |
| Missouri | 216 | 213 - 218 | 217 | 215 | 214 | 289 |
| Montana | 211 | 208 - 214 | 213 | 209 | 209 | 47 |
| Nebraska | 213 | 210 - 216 | 214 | 211 | 210 | 105 |
| Nevada | 214 | 211 - 217 | 214 | 214 | 211 | 168 |
| New Hampshire | 217 | 214 - 219 | 219 | 217 | 215 | 60 |
| New Jersey | 223 | 222 - 225 | 225 | 223 | 223 | 451 |
| New Mexico | 211 | 208 - 214 | 210 | 211 | 207 | 104 |
| New York | 221 | 219 - 223 | 223 | 220 | 220 | 1,012 |
| North Carolina | 219 | 216 - 221 | 220 | 218 | 217 | 510 |
| North Dakota | 210 | 207 - 212 | 210 | 210 | 207 | 30 |
| Ohio | 218 | 215 - 220 | 219 | 217 | 216 | 538 |
| Oklahoma | 212 | 208 - 214 | 212 | 211 | 208 | 204 |
| Oregon | 218 | 215 - 220 | 219 | 216 | 216 | 188 |
| Pennsylvania | 220 | 217 - 222 | 221 | 219 | 219 | 596 |
| Rhode Island | 217 | 214 - 220 | 219 | 217 | 215 | 47 |
| South Carolina | 214 | 210 - 217 | 215 | 214 | 209 | 236 |
| South Dakota | 210 | 207 - 213 | 211 | 208 | 209 | 42 |
| Tennessee | 218 | 215 - 219 | 219 | 217 | 217 | 319 |
| Texas | 221 | 218 - 222 | 222 | 219 | 219 | 1,623 |
| Utah | 212 | 210 - 216 | 213 | 211 | 209 | 196 |
| Vermont | 215 | 211 - 217 | 216 | 215 | 212 | 28 |
| Virginia | 222 | 220 - 224 | 224 | 222 | 219 | 437 |
| Washington | 222 | 220 - 224 | 224 | 222 | 220 | 348 |
| West Virginia | 209 | 207 - 212 | 210 | 209 | 207 | 64 |
| Wisconsin | 214 | 213 - 217 | 215 | 214 | 213 | 292 |
| Wyoming | 209 | 207 - 212 | 210 | 209 | 207 | 24 |
| District of Columbia | 223 | 222 - 225 | 225 | 223 | 223 | 36 |
| Territories | 209 | 207 - 211 | 210 | 208 | 207 | 39 |
| Outside US | 223 | 222 - 225 | 225 | 223 | 223 | 86 |
| Commended | 209 | 207 - 210 | 210 | 208 | 207 |
How cutoffs are determined
Qualifying scores (“cutoffs”) are not based on the total score for the PSAT (360-1520) but on the Selection Index, which is calculated by doubling the RW score, adding the Math score, and then dividing the sum by 10. The maximum Selection Index is 228. Students can find a historical set of cutoff data here or see how Semifinalist and Commended counts have changed state by state.
We estimate that the Semifinalist cutoffs will range from 209 to 223. Semifinalists are allocated by state, and cutoffs are calculated by state. If Florida is allocated 1,000 Semifinalists based on its population of high school graduates, then NMSC works down from a perfect 228 Selection Index until it gets as close as possible to that target. Last year, 1,008 students scored at or above the cutoff of 219. A cutoff of 220 would have produced too few Semifinalists. A cutoff of 218 would have gone over the allocation. Because score levels can get crowded, it is easy for cutoffs to move up or down a point even when there is minimal change in testing behavior or performance.
Why does each state have its own Semifinalist cutoff if the program is NATIONAL Merit?
This is always a hot button question. NMSC allocates the approximately 17,000 Semifinalists among states based on the number of high school graduates. That way, students across the nation are represented. It also means that there are very different qualifying standards from state to state. A Massachusetts student with a 220 might miss out on being a Semifinalist. If she lived 10 miles away in New Hampshire, she would qualify.
No Semifinalist cutoff can be lower than the national Commended level. Cutoffs for the District of Columbia and for U.S. students studying abroad are set at the highest state cutoff (typically New Jersey). The cutoff for students in U.S. territories and possessions falls at the Commended level each year. Boarding schools are grouped by region. The cutoff for a given region is the highest state cutoff within the region.
Change is always the theme
Over the last two decades, at least half of the state cutoffs have changed each year. In some years, as many as 49 states saw ups or downs, usually because of questionable test forms. In addition to last year’s exam, the PSATs from 2011 (Class of 2013), 2016 (Class of 2018), and 2019 stand out as problematic. The anomalous 2019 results could be traced back to a particularly mis-scaled form, which I wrote about at the time. The Class of 2014 also saw significant changes, but those were more of a bounce-back from the previous year. The question for the Class of 2027 is how much of a bounce-back will be seen this year.
Cutoffs are particularly bumpy in states with smaller pools of test takers and National Merit Semifinalists. Over the last dozen years, cutoffs in the 12 largest states have remain unchanged 36% of the time, while the cutoffs in the smallest states have remain unchanged only 1 time out of every 5. No large state’s cutoff has jumped by more than 3 points in a year, whereas 6-point changes have occurred in the pool of smaller states.
When are National Merit Semifinalists announced?
The lists of Semifinalists will not be distributed to high schools until the end of August 2026. With the exception of homeschoolers, students do not receive direct notification. NMSC asks that schools not share the results publicly until the end of the press embargo in mid-September, but schools are allowed to notify students privately before that date. NMSC does not send Commended Student letters to high schools until mid-September. Compass will keep students updated on developments as the dates approach.
Do state and national percentiles indicate whether a student will be a National Merit Semifinalist?
No! Approximately 1% of test takers qualify as Semifinalists each year, so it is tempting to view a 99th percentile score as indicating a high enough score — especially now that College Board provides students with percentiles by state. There are any number of flaws that rule out using percentiles as a quick way of determining National Merit status.
- Percentiles are based on section scores or total score, not Selection Index
- Percentiles are rounded. There is a large difference, from a National Merit perspective, between the top 0.51% and the top 1.49%
- Percentiles reveal the percentage of students at or below a certain score, but the “at” part is important when NMSC is determining cutoffs.
- The number of Semifinalists is based on the number of high school graduates in a state, not the number of PSAT takers. Percentiles are based on PSAT takers. States have widely varying participation rates.
- Most definitive of all: Percentiles do not reflect the current year’s scores! They are based on the prior 3 years’ performance. They are set even before the test is given. And if you are going to use prior history, why not use the record of prior National Merit cutoffs rather than the highly suspect percentiles?
Entry requirements for National Merit versus qualifying for National Merit.
Your PSAT/NMSQT score report tells you whether you meet the eligibility requirements for the NMSP. In general, juniors taking the October PSAT are eligible. If you have an asterisk next to your Selection Index, it means that your answers to the entrance questions have made you ineligible. Your answers are conveniently noted on your score report. If you think there is an error, you will also find instructions on how to contact NMSC. Meeting the eligibility requirements simply means that your score will be considered. Approximately 1.4 million students enter the competition each year. Only about 55,000 students will be named as Commended Students, Semifinalists, Finalists, or Scholars. See National Merit Explained for more information.
Hi Art,
Hope all is well. Do you think a 222 in New Jersey will receive National Merit?
Thanks,
David
David,
A 222 has better than even odds, certainly. Overall, the Class of 2017 seems the most analogous to what we are seeing this year. I think NJ could drop to 221.
Hi, I am a US Citizen by birth, Studying in Mumbai, India for last 10 years and have an index of 222. Which cutoff will be used for qualification?
Tanay,
The cutoff for U.S. citizens studying abroad is set at the highest state cutoff. That is likely to be 222 or 223.
Hi,
My daughter got a perfect score on her PSAT last October. I’m curious about the confirming SAT or ACT score that’s required. She took both tests in June of 2018 and did really well. I noticed that the cut off date for acceptable confirmation scores is typically August. Have you heard that they’ll be making any exceptions this year due to Covid or do you think she should sign up to take the SAT again?
Jaime,
First, congratulations to your daughter! I haven’t yet heard of any changes this year. Scores before fall of sophomore year are not eligible as confirming scores, so your daughter would need to take the SAT again (assuming NMSC does not change its policy). Confirming scores can come as late as the December test, but for obvious reasons, I don’t recommend waiting that long.
Thank you for this info! My son has schooled from home and through co-ops his whole life in South Carolina. He received a 220 with only 2 missed answers, seemingly due to the difficulty level of the two he missed (?). We are hopeful he will receive semi-finalist status. However, are home schooled students ever considered for finalists? I am unfamiliar with the application process. We would appreciate any input or advice! Thank you again.
Megan,
Not to ruin the suspense, but your son will make the Semifinalist cut! His 220 will be well over the cutoff for South Carolina. Yes, homeschoolers are definitely considered for Finalists. You will get more information in late August/early September when NMSC mails out announcements to schools (your home is considered a school). You’ll need to submit transcripts and a recommendation, just as a regular high school would. You will have about a month, and NMSC should be able to answer any questions that you have.
With a commended score of 209 do you think a 210 score in Mississippi is high?
SH,
In recent years, Mississippi’s cutoff has fallen 2-3 points above the Commended level. I don’t think 210 is out of the running, but I do feel that 211 or 212 are more likely.
How accurate are Compass Education Group’s predictions for the cutoff of commended scholars? Have your predictions usually been lower/same/higher than the actual commended scholar score? Is there a good chance that the national commended scholar score will be higher than 209?
Robert,
The Commended score is accurate. Although NMSC does not officially announce Commended students until September, it needs to communicate with schools in the spring to get the preliminary list of eligible students. That’s why we usually learn the Commended mark in April.
Our Semifinalist estimates are based on historical data, the limited data shared by the College Board (discussed in the post), and the limited data we receive from schools. In a typical year, the final cutoffs will fall within our estimated ranges, with the exception of 1 or 2 states (usually smaller ones). “Typical” and “estimated ranges” are important parts of that statement. This year looks to have more extreme changes than usual. Still, I hope to see 90-95% of states fall within the estimated ranges. The “most likely” is an estimate within an estimate. States can move up or down for reasons that can’t be predicted by the current data. I try to estimate “most likely” cutoffs represent a better than 50% chance of students qualifying.
Hi:
My son got a 221 in CA. On his school electronic report card for 2nd semester, under “Graduation Awards” – it lists “NMS-Commended”. Does this indicate that the CA cutoff is 222 for Class of 2021? I thought the projections were going to be between 1-2 points below Class of 2020 of 222.
Thanks,
Ted
Ted,
High schools do not yet know the NMSF cutoffs and do not receive word until late August. What they do know is that your son has reach at least the Commended level. I should emphasize that I do not know the Semifinalist cutoff, either. From the evidence I have seen, I feel that California’s cutoff will go down.
Hello,
When will the schools be notified of the commended scholars? My son got a 211 in Florida, but we haven’t heard anything from the school yet. Thanks!
Tammy,
That’s as it should be. Officially, Commended Students are not named until after Semifinalist names are publicized in September. However, NMSC has to verify eligibility of students at the Commended cutoff, so it works with schools to get these records in the spring. That is how we know the cutoff is at 209. Technically, no one is a Commended Student until NMSC says they are.
Thanks!
Hello,
I was wondering if you have gotten any hints as to what they will do to determine National Merit Finalists if students are unable to take the SAT or ACT due to COVID. My son received a 221 in Texas and has had his ACT and SAT cancelled multiple times already. Thanks!
Tammy,
I have not heard any updates. My guess is that NMSC will try to hold out a bit longer and see if the fall test dates can happen. If we are seeing extensive cancellations in Sept and October, it would seem irresponsible to require a confirming score. That’s just my opinion (and most colleges, of course, have decided that it is already irresponsible to require an SAT/ACT this year).
Thank you!! Unfortunately for my son, his test scores would be a big part of his application – he has ok EC and good grades 3.85 GPA with IB classes – he was hoping his scores would help his application since he tends to do well on these exams. I appreciate your time!
Tammy,
It may not matter. I believe the criteria for Finalist qualification are all or nothing. You make the confirming score or you don’t. You have a good enough academic record or you don’t. One factor can’t compensate for another. It sounds like his GPA may be high enough.
It’s only at the scholarship stage where all factors come into play. Even there, it wouldn’t matter for most college-sponsored scholarships. If your son is a Finalist and ranks a college as his number 1 choice with NMSC (that comes later, don’t worry), then he would generally qualify for a scholarship.
What are the chances of a student qualifying for Semifinalist in CT. Student received a selection index of 224
Lita,
100%. We don’t know CT’s cutoff, but I can guarantee you that it will be below 223. It is likely to come in between 219 and 221.
I’ve got a 217 in Tennessee, so probably 50/50 right?
Yes, that’s where I’d put things, Josh.
My daughter got 219 in PA. What do you think her chances are? How likely is it to drop from 220 to 219 in PA? Thanks for your very informative article.
MG,
We just got the official numbers, and PA’s cutoff went down to 217. Congratulations to your daughter!
I have a 220 in Illinois. What do you think my chances are? Thanks!!
Justin,
We just published the official numbers, and Illinois came in at 219. Congratulations!
Hi
My son has 216/ohio, will it be 50/50 ?
Anne,
I just published the official numbers. Ohio’s cutoff came in at 215. Congratulations to your son!
Mr. Sawyer, we are anxious to hear official word on the National Merit Semifinalist from the PSAT/NMSQT in Fall 2019 (graduating class of 2021). I have seen slight mentions that high school admin will receive notification in August. Do you know if that is this week or next? Should families reach out to the admins to find out about their student? We anticipate it to become official for our daughter who only missed 1 on her test (226 index), but would like it to become official as she wants to send out some early college apps and include on her resume/profile to those that will be writing recommendations for her. Please provide insight on the timing from your years of experience. Thank you!
Laura,
Notifications likely went out last week, but schools often don’t receive their packets until after Labor Day. Some schools choose not to inform students until after the press release date in the second week of September. As you say, there is no doubt that your daughter will qualify. You might check in the the school at the end of next week.
Hi,
I’m a student from Chicago, IL that got exactly your predicted cutoff score. I was wondering if the predicted scores this year took into account that Chicago Public Schools did not get to take the PSAT. I attend a CPS school, but I was lucky enough to set up a testing date at a suburban high school prior to the cancellation.
Thank you!
I just saw your most recent post. Congrats, again. It’s an interesting theory about CPS, since Illinois was one of the only high scoring states to fall 2 points.
The NM website has the scores now. Your predictions were pretty close, and you were spot on for Illinois!
Jung,
I just got the word and updated the post. I assume the exclamation point means that you made it. Congratulations!
Hello Art,
Found this link on the National Merit website. Hope it’s ok to share the link.
https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=1228&sparam=2021&scontid=0
Thanks!
Karpagam,
Thank you for the breaking news! I don’t think there is a prior year when NMSC published the figures on its website. We’ll soon see if it was an intentional policy shift or an oversight. Either way, I have update the post with the latest information. Maybe in future years NMSC will also start notifying students directly and electronically. We can dream.
Mr.Sawyer, Thank you very much for your blog. Your prediction for Texas is right on the mark! What do you think they will do with the confirming scores for finalists? My daughter was able take an ACT test earlier this year, though she is not happy with her lopsided math and science scores (34 composite, 35 English, 36 reading, 32 math and 32 science). Do you think that will be good enough to qualify to be a finalist, if she is not able to take another SAT or ACT? We were able to get both the September SAT and ACT dates, hopefully she will be able to take one of those two and improve her scores. Thanks, Sam.
Sam,
Let me start with the most important part first: your daughter’s ACT score will be more than sufficient. And, congratulations!
I haven’t heard what NMSC intends to do. Semifinalists are more apt than most students to have tested early, but I still think there will be a significant number of prospective Finalists struggling to get scores. I hope that NMSC provides some sort of alternative. Here in California, for example, some SAT students haven’t been able to test since December 2019.
The confirming score usually is set at or near the Commended cutoff (209 this year). An ACT is converted to an SAT Selection Index by using concordance tables. The Science score is not used. The ACT Math is concorded to an SAT Math score. A 32 would be a 720. The 35E and 36R are added to get a 71 E+R ACT, which concords to a 770 ERW. That means your daughter has an SAT SI equivalent of 77×2 + 72 = 226. No question that her score is high enough.
Thank you very much. It would be interesting to see what NMSC decides about the conforming scores this year. I know quite a few smart kids who do not have a standardized test score yet due to the cancellations. Here in Harris county, TX, they cancelled pretty much all the test centers for the August 29th SAT. So, kids are hoping to get in the September ACT or SAT.
Thanks again,
Sam.
This is great to know because my son has the exact ACT score breakdown (on reading, english and math) as Sam’s daughter and we wanted to make sure it would work as confirming score (and that the math equation converting ACT to SAT hasn’t changed). He took that ACT after sophomore year (June 2019). He was planning to retake- but with all the ACT mayhem he’ll probably just leave it alone at this point as long as it is high enough to be confirming for semi-finalist. A 34 should be high enough for the colleges he is looking at. Thanks for the great blog!!
Hi Art. I was looking on the NMS site and can’t find anywhere the post you all are referring to. Any chance you can give me insight on how to get this information going forward? I just stepped into a new support role for high-achieving high school students in FL and want to be able to give the most accurate info to our students and community.
PiliT,
NMSC doesn’t normally post the cutoffs, and I suspect that it didn’t mean to this time, either. The page has been taken down. Schools, though, are provided this information in the packet naming Semifinalists. This is usually mailed to the principal. Best of luck in your new role!
Since they post it on accident, was this how you received the official cut off score information? We want to be certain before we ask the school administrators.
Yes.
Confirming Score:
I am worried about the confirming score I got a 1390 SAT/32 ACT (SI of 208) and I am worried that may not be enough. As from what I understand the confirming score has to be at the commended level of SI 209
Abdul,
Yes, I believe the confirming score is at least at the Commended level. You might need to test again if making Finalist is important enough to you. Did you calculate your ACT Selection Index using the individual section scores as outlined in our FAQ?
Yes I did! I am not sure what to do now? I am worried, I guess we will wait and see!
Hello Abd,
You should be relieved now seeing the SAT test blind for NMSC. Best wishes on your NMSF and a hopeful NMF !!!
Hi,
Thanks for sharing useful information. I just wonder if sophomore PSAT/NMSQT scores might be accepted for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
John,
Crazier things have happened this year. Sophomore scores are usually lower, so I don’t know how much it would help most students. An interesting idea.
Got a 216 in Arkansas. Hopefully my school doesn’t wait until September to notify semifinalists individually.
Congratulations, SO!
From Texas with PSAT score 220 and SAT from Dec 2019 (750 reading and 770 math) : what are the chances of NMSC finalist ? Thank you
Susan,
In Finalist qualification, scores are either high enough or they aren’t. Stronger scores don’t increase a student’s chances of being named a Finalist. A 750/770 goes well above the confirming score. A Finalist also needs great grades (no cutoffs are specified) and the support of the school. Most Semifinalists become Finalists. Congratulations!
I’ve seen some comments with regards to the scores being released on NM’s website, but I wanted to check it out myself. Do you have the direct link for it? Also as of the information here, I made it as a semifinalist! Thanks for your continual work on updating the information about the PSAT this past year!
Nia,
The page is no longer available on NMSC’s site, and I don’t expect that it will be in the future. If I were in your shoes, I’d want to see it with my own eyes, too! Your best hope of confirmation — beyond what I’ve presented — is from your counselor.
How certain are you that TN is a 215 SI? I am frustrated because my son received a SI of 214, total score of 1440. Several classmates scored a lower total score than him (1430) and missed the same (or more) questions than him (2 Reading, 2 W/L, one math; all “most difficult” level questions), but had a higher SI than my son (215-219). I cannot get anyone at CB or NM to explain why. Obviously the Reading and W/L are weighted more heavily??
Katherine,
To the best of my knowledge, these are all official and accurate. I’m sorry to hear that your son missed it by just a point. You are correct about the weighting. For the Selection Index, R, W/L, and M are considered as equal components. This means that the ERW score (as a combination or R and W/L) gets twice the weight in the SI as it does in the Total Score.
Does anyone know how to see the cutoffs on the NMSC website? Thanks!!
Saumya,
The page is no longer available on NMSC’s site, and I don’t expect that it will be in the future. Your best hope of confirmation — beyond what I’ve presented — is from your counselor.
Got it. Thank you so much!!
Art,
PSAT sent out an email to admins that they will also offer an additional testing date for PSAT on Tuesday January 26, 2021 that will still count for the 2022 NMSQT.
That’s good news for some students. Students will only be able to take 1 PSAT/NMSQT, but schools can mix-and-match any of their dates for sophomores and juniors. It will be up to schools as to whether January is offered.
Art, I saw the scores on the NMSC site too before they were taken down. Is there any chance that they weren’t accurate and that is why they were removed or do you think it’s just because they don’t usually post that info until 9/12. I just dont want to get excited and then be disappointed.
They don’t usually post the info at all — even after the press announcement. I think the numbers were accurate. There was nothing about them that struck me as preliminary. Obviously I can’t say with absolute certainty.
My daughter has a 220 index. We live in NY. I always thought she missed it by 1 point. How accurate is your prediction?
Madison,
The information comes from official sources, so I feel confident in the information. Given the scores we saw on the October 2019 PSAT, it’s not that surprising.
PSAT SI of 215 in SC along with SAT SSI of 227 and ACT SSI of 234. Fingers crossed for both Semi- and Finalist designations!
Congratulations, AA! You definitely don’t have to sweat the confirming scores.