April 8 Update:
The Commended cutoff — the minimum score to be considered for National Merit honors — for the class of 2025 is 208. This is the highest cutoff in 4 years. Compass’s analysis of the results from the first digital PSAT showed that the Commended cutoff would fall in the 208 – 210 range, so the 208 is in line with expectations.
Compass has incorporated the Commended cutoff into its projections for the Semifinalist cutoffs, which will begin filtering out around Labor Day.
Why haven’t I been told anything by my school?
The April announcement is to schools only and is not an official notification of a student’s status. Honored students are not notified until September.
Why aren’t Semifinalist cutoffs announced at the same time?
National Merit must receive student eligibility information from schools and then calculate the separate Semifinalist cutoffs for each state. Only the Commended cutoff is national. NMSC will mail high schools the names of Semifinalists at the end of August, and students will be notified by their schools in early to mid-September. Schools are not given the Commended Student letters until after Semifinalists are announced.
[The November 2023 post below has been updated with the Commended cutoff information.]
The 2023 digital PSAT/NMSQT for the class of 2025 represents the biggest change to the National Merit Scholarship Program since the PSAT was overhauled in 2015. Each year Compass looks at the results from the PSAT and tracks projected Selection Index cutoffs for Commended Students and for Semifinalist in each of the 50 states. [See National Merit Scholarship Program Explained for full details on stages and instructions. For information on the class of 2024 cutoffs, see this archive.]
Instead of having schools administer a paper test on fixed dates, College Board allowed the digital PSAT to be offered throughout October. College Board also introduced a new score return policy. Students taking the test on or before October 14th receive scores on November 6th. Students taking the PSAT after October 14th receive their scores on November 16th. Compass now has the data from both release windows. Approximately 50,000 students landed in the 1400-1520 score band from almost 1.5 million test takers. The initial half of scores already accounted for 30,000 of top band scores, so the later testers had a lower proportion of high scorers. This will come as a relief to students who were fearing an extremely large jump in Selection Index cutoffs.
This year is shaping up similar to the class of 2021 (the last pre-pandemic PSAT) and, reaching back farther, the class of 2017.
The number of top scorers is the most critical piece of information that we get this early in the process. There is a strong correlation between the 1400-1520 band of students and the Commended Student score.
[We now know the exact Commended cutoff is 208. -Ed.] The Commended Student cutoff is likely to rise to 209 (above the 207 from the last 3 years). Estimates can be imperfect, but we are confident that the Commended cutoff will fall within the 208 to 210 range. The higher Commended cutoff, in turn, correlates with higher Semifinalist cutoffs. Below are those estimates.
| State | Class of 2025 (Most Likely) | Class of 2025 (Est Range) | Class of 2024 (Actual) | Class of 2023 (Actual) | Class of 2022 (Actual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 212 | 210 - 216 | 210 | 212 | 212 |
| Alaska | 212 | 209 - 215 | 209 | 210 | 208 |
| Arizona | 217 | 214 - 220 | 216 | 214 | 218 |
| Arkansas | 212 | 209 - 215 | 210 | 210 | 211 |
| California | 221 | 219 - 223 | 221 | 220 | 221 |
| Colorado | 217 | 215 - 220 | 216 | 217 | 217 |
| Connecticut | 221 | 219 - 222 | 221 | 221 | 220 |
| Delaware | 220 | 218 - 222 | 219 | 218 | 220 |
| District of Columbia | 223 | 222 - 224 | 223 | 223 | 224 |
| Florida | 216 | 215 - 219 | 216 | 216 | 217 |
| Georgia | 219 | 216 - 220 | 217 | 218 | 219 |
| Hawaii | 217 | 215 - 220 | 217 | 215 | 217 |
| Idaho | 214 | 210 - 216 | 211 | 215 | 214 |
| Illinois | 219 | 217 - 221 | 219 | 219 | 218 |
| Indiana | 216 | 213 - 219 | 216 | 214 | 215 |
| Iowa | 213 | 210 - 216 | 210 | 212 | 211 |
| Kansas | 215 | 213 - 218 | 214 | 214 | 215 |
| Kentucky | 214 | 210 - 217 | 211 | 212 | 212 |
| Louisiana | 214 | 211 - 217 | 214 | 213 | 213 |
| Maine | 214 | 211 - 217 | 213 | 215 | 211 |
| Maryland | 222 | 219 - 223 | 221 | 222 | 224 |
| Massachusetts | 222 | 220 - 223 | 222 | 220 | 221 |
| Michigan | 217 | 215 - 220 | 217 | 218 | 217 |
| Minnesota | 218 | 215 - 220 | 216 | 216 | 218 |
| Mississippi | 211 | 209 - 215 | 209 | 210 | 213 |
| Missouri | 215 | 212 - 218 | 214 | 213 | 214 |
| Montana | 210 | 208 - 214 | 209 | 207 | 208 |
| Nebraska | 213 | 209 - 216 | 210 | 212 | 210 |
| Nevada | 214 | 210 - 218 | 211 | 210 | 214 |
| New Hampshire | 215 | 213 - 219 | 215 | 213 | 214 |
| New Jersey | 223 | 222 - 224 | 223 | 223 | 222 |
| New Mexico | 211 | 208 - 214 | 207 | 208 | 210 |
| New York | 220 | 218 - 222 | 220 | 219 | 220 |
| North Carolina | 218 | 215 - 220 | 217 | 217 | 218 |
| North Dakota | 208 | 208 - 210 | 207 | 209 | 207 |
| Ohio | 216 | 214 - 218 | 216 | 216 | 215 |
| Oklahoma | 211 | 209 - 215 | 208 | 211 | 210 |
| Oregon | 217 | 215 - 220 | 216 | 216 | 220 |
| Pennsylvania | 219 | 217 - 221 | 219 | 218 | 218 |
| Rhode Island | 216 | 213 - 219 | 215 | 216 | 213 |
| South Carolina | 213 | 209 - 217 | 209 | 213 | 213 |
| South Dakota | 211 | 208 - 214 | 209 | 212 | 210 |
| Tennessee | 216 | 214 - 219 | 217 | 215 | 215 |
| Texas | 220 | 218 - 221 | 219 | 219 | 220 |
| Utah | 212 | 209 - 216 | 209 | 211 | 212 |
| Vermont | 213 | 210 - 217 | 212 | 213 | 211 |
| Virginia | 221 | 219 - 222 | 219 | 221 | 221 |
| Washington | 220 | 218 - 222 | 220 | 220 | 220 |
| West Virginia | 208 | 208 - 210 | 207 | 207 | 207 |
| Wisconsin | 214 | 212 - 217 | 213 | 213 | 214 |
| Wyoming | 208 | 208 - 210 | 207 | 207 | 208 |
| U.S. Territories | 208 | 208 | 207 | 207 | 207 |
| Studying Abroad | 223 | 222 - 224 | 223 | 223 | 224 |
| Commended | 208 | 208 | 207 | 207 | 207 |
[See Compass’s National Merit Historical Cutoffs post for data going back to the class of 2008, which can be helpful in comparing this year to its analogues.]
The shift to a shorter, online and adaptive exam is unlikely to wreak the havoc we saw when the “revised PSAT” was introduced 8 years ago. That test overhauled content AND scoring. The digital SAT represents a content change — mainly on Reading and Writing — but keeps the 320-1520 score range intact. The Selection Index, too, remains consistent, with the Reading and Writing score having twice the weight of the Math score.
However, for any given state, a change in cutoff is more likely than not. Historically, Semifinalist cutoffs remain unchanged only about one-third of the time.
Even in years where the Commended cutoff remains static, we see half of state cutoffs go up or down. And it is extremely improbable that the Selection Index will be static. The chart below divides the 50 states into those that saw increases (blue), those that remained unchanged (gray), and those that saw declines (red). We are likely to see a year with far more blue than gray and more gray than red.
Uncertainty around exactly which state cutoffs will change and by how much is why we encourage students to compare their scores to the full estimated range in the table above rather than to a single value (our “Most Likely”). These estimates are built from prior performance data and from data on what scores are doing nationally. State and national numbers are not always in alignment. Cutoffs are particularly bumpy in states with smaller pools of test takers and National Merit Semifinalists. Over the last 10 years, large states’ cutoffs have remained within 1 point of the prior cutoff 88% of the time. That figure drops to 73% for midsized states and 53% for small states. 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. Scores also tend to be more stable as they get higher. It is more unusual for a state to move from 221 to 222, for example, than for a state to move from 212 to 213.
What does a cutoff mean? Do I need to score at the cutoff or above it?
Students must have a Selection Index at or above the official cutoff in order to qualify for National Merit honors.
The top 52,000 to 54,000 students will receive some form of honors. National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) determines the cutoff number that comes closest to producing the target number of national honorees. This is the Commended cutoff.
How are Semifinalist cutoffs set?
Unlike the national Commended cutoff, Semifinalist cutoffs are calculated state by state. NMSC allocates the 16,000 semifinalists among states based on the annual number of high school graduates. For example, California sees about 2,000 Semifinalists every year, Michigan 500, and Wyoming 25. In each state, NMSC determines the Selection Index that comes closest to matching its target number of Semifinalists. If 1,900 California students score 222 and higher and 2,050 score 221 or higher, then the Semifinalist cutoff would be 221 (this assumes that the target is exactly 2,000). 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.
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.
Why does the number of top scorers vary from year to year?
While there are changes in the number of students taking the PSAT/NMSQT, there can also be small flaws in test scaling that play a role. Prior to the digital PSAT, a single test form was seen by a large percentage of test takers. Something amiss with that single form could impact selection cutoffs across the country. The digital PSAT is constructed differently. Students receive unique form codes drawn from a large pool of problems. Scaled scores are generated based on the characteristics of those problems. In theory, this should make scores more stable. College Board’s early studies have found an extremely high correlation between the paper-and-pencil test and digital test. Still, even with its adaptive nature, the uncertainty remains as to whether the much shorter test can reliably score students at the 700-760 end of the scale. It appears that the class of 2025 is roughly average compared to the classes of 2017 to 2024 (the years after the change from the 2400 to 1520 scale).
Will test cancellations raise or lower qualifying scores for the National Merit Scholarship Program?
College Board’s online systems failed under load on one of the biggest testing days. There was also a bug that prevented iPads on the latest operating system from submitting exams. We do not know how many schools or students simply gave up and did not retest on rescheduled dates. If the cancellations increase the number of students pursuing alternate entry (see Compass’s explanation of National Merit alternate entry) then cutoffs could rise. Alternate entrants tend to have higher scores, because they can submit SAT scores through June 2024 to enter the competition. They must apply by April.
When are National Merit Semifinalists announced?
The Commended cutoff becomes unofficially known by the end of April. The lists of Semifinalists are not distributed to high schools until the end of August. NMSC sets a press embargo on Semifinalist announcement until mid-September, but schools are allowed to notify students before that date. NMSC does not send Commended Student letters to high schools until mid-September. Compass will keep students updated on developments as those dates approach.
Do state and national percentiles indicate whether I 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 completely accurate 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 52,000 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.