**Updated with information from released October 2026 PSAT scores as of November 6.**
If you’d like, jump right to the Compass Projections and State Explorer and then come back for the commentary.
The junior-year PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Each year, National Merit recognizes the top 55,000 test takers. To be included in that group, students must be among the top 4% of the 1.3 million eligible students who take the PSAT. Of that elite group, approximately 16,500 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. Some colleges provide significant scholarships and even full rides for Finalists. The remaining 39,000 students are recognized as Commended Students. More information can be found in our National Merit Explained post. If you are looking for Compass’s archived report on the class of 2027 results, find it here.
Calculating the Selection Index
National Merit uses the Selection Index (SI), found on the PSAT score report, to rank students. The Selection Index is 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 score and a 700 M score has a Selection Index of 214: (720 x 2 + 700) ÷ 10. 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). The weighting of the index means that not all students with the same Total Score have the same SI. “Will a 1450 qualify?” is not the right question. Instead, ask whether a student with a 750 RW and 700 M will qualify.
How Semifinalist cutoffs are set in each state
NMSC allocates a target number of Semifinalists to states based on their population of high school graduates, not all of whom take the PSAT. If Texas is allocated 1,500 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. In the class of 2027, 1,462 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. As scores go lower, more and more students occupy each level, and where the crowd forms does not stay consistent from year to year. It is easy for cutoffs to move up or down a point even when there is minimal change in testing behavior or performance. All students at or above a cutoff qualify.
Predicting scores for the class of 2028
The journey to National Merit is a long one. Semifinalists aren’t notified until September 2027, and Finalists might not hear until February 2028. Compass’s research aims to fill in some of the gaps during the long wait.
Approximately 80% of scores have been released by the first week in November. College Board only summarizes PSAT scores in broad ranges. The top range of 1400 to 1520 has proved to be an excellent indicator of the Commended cutoff and the overall trend in Semifinalist cutoffs.
Based on the scores released to date, Compass expects between 52,000 and 60,000 students to score in the top range, with 55,000 as the most likely figure. That’s only modestly above the 52,300 in the class of 2027, which is why Compass projects this year’s most likely Commended figure to be 209. Compass’s model assumes, based on prior years, that later scores will skew lower than earlier scores. However, we don’t yet know how many scores will be released in the final score release wave. We retain the possible Commended range of 207 – 211 to allow for uncertainty.
Comparing RW and Math scores also suggests moderation this year
Students considering their odds of qualifying as National Merit Semifinalists often look in horror at the class of 2026 cutoffs, which were among the highest recorded since the revised PSAT was introduced for the class of 2017. Compass has shown that those high cutoffs can likely be attributed to poor scaling of the RW section on the 2024 PSAT. Because RW receives double weight in the Selection Index, the scaling problem had an outsized impact on cutoffs, with New Jersey’s reaching 225. The good news is that this year’s results look more like those from the classes of 2025 and 2027 than they do those from the class of 2026. There are more high Math scores than RW scores (about a 1.33 to 1 ratio), which should keep the highest cutoffs in check. On average, Semifinalist cutoffs may see some upward movement, but there is no evidence of a spike.
Below is a chart of RW, Math, and Total scores over the 3 prior years, with estimates for the class of 2028. Final numbers should be available by November 13.
Did I make it?
A student’s natural instinct is to look at the prior year’s cutoff and ask, “Did I make it?” The historical record shows the shortcomings of that strategy. From the class of 2011 to the class of 2027, there has never been a year in which even half of the state cutoffs remained unchanged. Even with the added insight of national results, students should consider the likely range of cutoffs rather than focusing on a single score.
Semifinalist trends over time
In October 2015, the PSAT moved to a 320–1520 scale, which was set to provide vertical alignment with the SAT’s 400–1600 scale. The class of 2017 was the first group of students taking the redesigned PSAT/NMSQT, so the fairest comparisons are among the last eleven graduating classes.
Note how the Commended cutoff and state averages tend to track one another in the chart above. The chart below shows that there is more volatility in individual states, and more volatility in smaller states, but few states move against a rise or fall in the Commended level. We cannot assume, however, that the magnitude of the change will always be the same. We have an estimate of the Commended cutoff — a suspected 1-point increase — but won’t have confirmation until April.
Projections for the class of 2028: Consider the ranges.
In addition to our 50-state cutoff projections, Compass provides a deep dive into each state. Enter your own Selection Index or section scores to see how you stack up historically. The estimates consider state size, prior cutoffs and volatility, and Commended values.
As of 11/6/26, forecasted ranges combine historical data with early PSAT score information. The Commended cutoff will be confirmed in April.
Class of 2028 estimates by state
| State | Class of 2028 estimate | Past cutoffs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most likely | Estimated range | 2027 | 2026 | 2025 | |
| Alabama | 212 | 210–214 | 210 | 214 | 212 |
| Alaska | 211 | 209–214 | 208 | 215 | 214 |
| Arizona | 216 | 214–218 | 215 | 218 | 217 |
| Arkansas | 212 | 210–214 | 210 | 215 | 213 |
| California | 221 | 220–223 | 220 | 224 | 221 |
| Colorado | 217 | 216–219 | 217 | 219 | 218 |
| Connecticut | 221 | 219–222 | 220 | 223 | 221 |
| Delaware | 219 | 216–221 | 219 | 220 | 219 |
| District of Columbia | 223 | 222–224 | 223 | 225 | 223 |
| Florida | 217 | 215–218 | 216 | 219 | 217 |
| Georgia | 218 | 216–219 | 217 | 220 | 218 |
| Hawaii | 217 | 215–219 | 218 | 219 | 217 |
| Idaho | 213 | 210–215 | 211 | 215 | 213 |
| Illinois | 219 | 218–221 | 218 | 222 | 220 |
| Indiana | 216 | 214–218 | 215 | 218 | 217 |
| Iowa | 211 | 209–213 | 210 | 214 | 212 |
| Kansas | 214 | 212–216 | 212 | 216 | 215 |
| Kentucky | 212 | 210–214 | 211 | 214 | 213 |
| Louisiana | 213 | 211–215 | 211 | 216 | 214 |
| Maine | 214 | 212–217 | 214 | 217 | 214 |
| Maryland | 222 | 220–223 | 221 | 224 | 222 |
| Massachusetts | 222 | 221–224 | 221 | 225 | 223 |
| Michigan | 217 | 216–219 | 216 | 220 | 218 |
| Minnesota | 216 | 214–218 | 214 | 219 | 217 |
| Mississippi | 211 | 209–213 | 211 | 213 | 212 |
| Missouri | 215 | 213–217 | 214 | 217 | 215 |
| Montana | 209 | 208–212 | 208 | 213 | 209 |
| Nebraska | 212 | 210–214 | 212 | 214 | 211 |
| Nevada | 212 | 210–214 | 211 | 214 | 214 |
| New Hampshire | 216 | 214–218 | 215 | 219 | 217 |
| New Jersey | 223 | 222–224 | 223 | 225 | 223 |
| New Mexico | 209 | 208–211 | 209 | 210 | 211 |
| New York | 220 | 219–222 | 220 | 223 | 220 |
| North Carolina | 218 | 216–219 | 217 | 220 | 218 |
| North Dakota | 209 | 207–211 | 208 | 210 | 210 |
| Ohio | 217 | 215–218 | 216 | 219 | 217 |
| Oklahoma | 210 | 208–212 | 210 | 212 | 211 |
| Oregon | 217 | 215–219 | 216 | 219 | 216 |
| Pennsylvania | 219 | 217–220 | 219 | 221 | 219 |
| Rhode Island | 216 | 213–218 | 213 | 219 | 217 |
| South Carolina | 213 | 211–215 | 212 | 215 | 214 |
| South Dakota | 210 | 208–212 | 210 | 211 | 208 |
| Tennessee | 216 | 214–218 | 214 | 219 | 217 |
| Texas | 219 | 218–221 | 219 | 222 | 219 |
| Utah | 211 | 209–213 | 209 | 213 | 211 |
| Vermont | 213 | 210–216 | 212 | 216 | 215 |
| Virginia | 221 | 220–223 | 221 | 224 | 222 |
| Washington | 221 | 220–223 | 221 | 224 | 222 |
| West Virginia | 209 | 207–211 | 208 | 210 | 209 |
| Wisconsin | 213 | 211–215 | 212 | 215 | 214 |
| Wyoming | 209 | 207–211 | 208 | 210 | 209 |
| U.S. Students Abroad | 223 | 222–224 | 223 | 225 | 223 |
| U.S. Territories | 209 | 207–211 | 208 | 210 | 208 |
| Commended (national) | 209 | 207–211 | 208 | 210 | 208 |
Below are three of the most popular (and controversial) questions I get asked about the National Merit Scholarship Program. A couple of less controversial questions follow. Additional information can be found in our National Merit FAQ.
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 16,500 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 just 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.
NMSC feels that the allocation method is the best way of ensuring truly national representation. That’s important, because without national representation, the program would likely not exist. National Merit requires participation from corporations and universities across the country. It constantly works to foster investment. Looking at the sponsors from 35 years ago, for example, shows just how much things change. The pitch to sponsors would be more difficult if Semifinalists were clustered in a smaller footprint. That doesn’t make the frustration any less real for the students who miss out.
When are National Merit Semifinalists announced? Why does it take so long?
The lists of Semifinalists will not be distributed to high schools until the end of August 2027. 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.
NMSC is an organization that values consistency — maybe sometimes to excess. The Semifinalist, Finalist, and Scholar cycle is little changed from what it was 60 years ago. Originally the NMSQT was in the spring of junior year, and email and the internet didn’t exist. Once the PSAT and NMSQT merged into a single exam, testing moved to the fall of junior year. The notification calendar never changed. During the winter and spring, NMSC is busy working with Finalist and Scholar selections. And counselors are busy getting seniors into college! In April and May, schools need to sign off on student eligibility. NMSC has always worked through schools for Semifinalist notifications, so September provides the next logical window. It’s slow and secretive, but it eventually works.
The schedule is hardest on students hoping to get one of the large scholarships offered by a limited number of universities. Key planning gets put on hold. I’d also like to see NMSC modernize its notification process. In the age of Bluebook, there is no excuse not to notify students directly and avoid the uncomfortable rollout of information. Colleges have long learned how to operate this way and build enthusiasm. The days of National Merit students being written up by the local newspaper are long gone, so why not let Instagram and TikTok take over?
Why is RW given twice the weight of Math?
There are many wrong answers to this question floating around the internet. It’s not because the PSAT had separate Reading and Writing sections during the SAT’s 2400 period. The weighting existed decades before that version of the exam. It’s not to favor one demographic over another. It dates back to the very creation of the test. In fact, the current method is more balanced than the original!
The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (just the SQT in 1956 and 1957) was originally a separate test offered in the spring of junior year. The test was developed from the Iowa Testing Programs that also gave birth to the ACT. In fact, the NMSQT looked a lot like the original ACT. It had sections for English, Mathematics, Social Studies (Reading), Natural Sciences (Reading), and Vocabulary. Each section was scored 1-36, and the Selection Index was the sum of the five section scores. So 80% of the original Selection Index came from sections testing verbal skills. In 1971, NMSC merged the NMSQT with the College Entrance Examination Board’s PSAT, written by ETS. The PSAT and SAT only had Verbal and Mathematics scores (20-80 on the PSAT and 200-800 on the SAT). In order to keep a similar balance to the original NMSQT, the Verbal score was doubled to form the Selection Index.
The decision remains controversial, but its roots are 70 years old. As mentioned previously, NMSC likes continuity.
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 several flaws in 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?
When my score report says “Eligible for National Merit,” does that mean I qualify?
Eligibility means entering the program; qualifying comes later. 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 1.3 million students from the 1.4 million PSAT takers 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 Mr Sawyer. I have a 217 Selection Index in CO. What are the odds of making semi-finalist?
Jen,
Based on historical data when the Commended cutoff does not change, I think we’ll see 60-70% of states hold steady or see lower cutoffs. That’s probably a fair estimate for the odds of a 217 qualifying in Colorado. We’ll know in the next 2-3 weeks.
Chances for semi with 215 in AZ?
Aymen,
You may not have received my previous reply. Please let us know when you get word, as it will be helpful for others.
Original reply:
Arizona’s recent past shows why it can be difficult to predict a cutoff. If we look at last year’s 214, things look good. In the preceding 7 years, though, Arizona’s cutoff was no lower than 218. I’d say that it is something of a toss-up at 215.
Didnt make it 🙁
Aymen,
Sorry to hear that. It’s very kind of students to pass information along, even when it is disappointing. Thank you, and best of luck with your applications!
my buddy with 216 got it so AZ cutoff is 216
Thanks, Aymen!
Thank you for sharing. My son got a 215 as well, so I really appreciate the information. Great job on such an amazing score and everything moving forward.
Good Morning Mr. Sawyer,
I received a selection index of 206 and I am wondering if there is any chance I will be commended since the range provided is 206-209. Thank you for your work!
Navam,
Unfortunately, we confirmed that the Commended cutoff came in at 207 this year.
Mr Sawyer,
My son got a 217 in New York. What chance he gets semi final status? Thank you
Max,
New York’s cutoff has not dropped below 219 in the last decade. While a 2-point drop is not out of the question, it would be highly unusual in such a large state.
Hello Mr. Sawyer. What do you think my chances are with a 218 in Georgia? Last year the cut off was 218, but it was 219 for the past few years before that.
NY already released semi-finalist. Your son should received a letter from his school if he is in.
That’s right, Jason, although I try to remind folks that schools may not release letters for another 2 weeks.
Hi Mr Sawyer,
Just curious to understand why NMSC takes a year to process cutoffs, when all the data is already available post PSAT. in October?
Also, how is it that we know the cut offs for FL earlier than the other states? Are we relying on students who received letters to confirm cutoffs?
Do we have any information on NYS final cutoff?
Andy,
There are some practical reasons — NMSC has to verify eligibility with schools — but some of it simply boils down to how NMSC likes to manage the scholarship program calendar. In the fall, it is dealing with choosing Finalists (seniors). In the spring, it moves over to working with colleges on scholarship matching. So the late spring and summer is when it switches attention to determining Semifinalists. And since they depend on having schools back in session, there is not point in mailing letters much before Labor Day.
Most reports come from students. I’m fortunate to have received word from a knowledgable source in Florida. Most reports won’t pick up for another week. Nothing on NY yet. Please do share if you find out your status!
Good morning Mr. Sawyer! Thank you for posting the FL cutoff. I have a 217 so I assume we will receive letters in 2-3 weeks to let us know what our next steps are, right? What would increase my chance to get a NM Scholarship (I have a 4/4 GPA, 35 ACT–superscored). I also have a question about what to send NMSC with regard to ACT report. I read that they don’t accept superscore, so should I send my highest one sitting test score report (which is 34) or a superscore report so they can see my highest section scores? Thank you!
Luke,
Congratulations! When your school passes out letters (yes, probably within 2-3 weeks), you’ll receive login information to NMSC’s Online Scholarship Application. You’ll fill out basic information and write an essay (the prompt has remain unchanged for years, so it will likely be the same as found here). You’ll also need a recommendation from your school. Your GPA is important — sounds like you are in great shape. You are correct that NMSC does not superscore. An ACT superscore report will include your highest sitting, but I’d probably just keep it simple and report the scores from the relevant test date. They will only consider the scores from a single test date. A 34 will be high enough as a confirming score. You can find more details at the same link above.
Dear Mr. Sawyer
How about Hawaii? My child has 216 index. Does she have a chance to be semifinalist?
Hope,
She certainly has a chance. We’ve seen 217 and 215 the last two years. I expect about 60% of state cutoffs will remain unchanged.
Hi Mr. Sawyer! What do you think the odds are a 218 in NY being a semifinalist? I know a lot of states’ cutoffs are dropping, but is it reasonable for the cutoff to drop by one in a large state?
A 1-point drop is not that unusual (maybe 25% in a mostly flat year). On the other hand, it’s been more than a decade since NY has been at 218. So maybe 15-20%? We’ll know as soon as more students receive their letters.
Hello,
I am a student in Nebraska. My principal read off a list of “National Merit” individuals at a school assembly that took place on August 16th. One of those individuals was myself, (Index of 210), as well as a friend (selection index of 209). My principal later stated that this list was specifically National Merit Semifinalists. Would it be possible for my school to receive a letter that early? And is it truly Semifinalists, or could it be Commended?
Thank you, and please ask for any needed clarification.
Logan,
Thanks for sharing this information. Let me admit right up front that I don’t have a definitive answer on this one. In the “Yes, it was NMSFs” column would be (a) that your principal was specific about it and (b) that it was in mid-August and not, let’s say, mid-June. In the “Hmm, something doesn’t sound right” column would be that (a) this would be the earliest I have heard of a school announcing Semifinalists and (b) 209 is lower than I’d expect as a Nebraska cutoff (but not beyond reason).
In late spring, schools receive a list of students continuing in the National Merit competition — effectively a list of Commended and Semifinalists, but without those distinctions yet made. So it’s possible that your principal was talking generally about students receiving National Merit honors. I’ve seen that mistake made before. Since your principal has already made the announcement, I’d be tempted to follow up. “I’d love to share the letter with my parents.” Or, “I’m working on my college applications and would like to mention my NM status.” I hope it’s good news!
Good morning!
Our child received a 223 selection index as a U.S. citizen studying abroad.
If the cutoff remains at 223, does it qualify as a SF or does one have to have a score higher than 223.
What are the chances of the cutoff increasing to 224?
Mail can be slow from the U.S. to abroad. If our child indeed qualifies and mail is slow, should our child/we/the school call after September 13th to retrieve the login information in order to make the October deadline? How do you recommend approaching it.
Many thanks for your time and guidance.
Anon,
Students qualify if they are at the cutoff or higher. So if the cutoff remains at 223, then your student will be a Semifinalist. Realistically, there are only 3-4 states that could ever get to 224 — New Jersey, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Maryland. I don’t think we’ll see 224 out of any of them this year, but conservatively we might call it a 25% chance.
Hi Mr. Sawyer, so is an NMSC selection index of 216 guaranteed for Semifinalist in FL this year? My son has exactly a 216 and not sure if the official cutoff means more than 216 or 216 and more. Please let me know!
Sam,
Yes, all students with the cutoff score (216) or higher will qualify as Semifinalists in FL. Congratulations to your son!
Do the students only find out “officially” via their school? Does this not pop up somewhere in their College Board account?
Jenn,
All Semifinalist and Commended information is sent to the schools for sharing with students. There is no indication in the College Board account. It’s not until the Finalist stage, when students have applied via NMSC’s portal that the organization communicates directly with students.
Chances of semifinalist with a 224 in NJ
Joshua,
No news out of NJ yet, but I don’t think we’ll ever see a 225 cutoff. Certainly not this year. You will be a Semifinalist. Congratulations!
Any word about the cutoff score from Arkansas? Thank you!
Bob,
Nothing yet. We’ll start getting more information next week. Please let me know what you find out if you receive a notification. Thanks!
Letter received by school in CA and news passed on to student by college counselor. 223 was the student’s SI. We were pretty sure she made it, but nice to get that confirmation.
Lori,
Congratulations, and thanks for sharing! Even when it’s a “sure thing,” there is a sense of relief when the notification arrives.
Hi Mr. Sawyer,
What is your source for the official state semi-finalist cut scores? I wasn’t able to corroborate through the College Board website and I didn’t think they were available to the public for 2-3 more weeks. TIA!
Jen
Jen,
My information in unofficial, but I try to highlight when I know it is accurate (as I did with Florida). NMSC does not provide any public information about Semifinalists (other than what it sends to schools) until after the press release date, which I believe will be September 13th. College Board is not involved in National Merit other than the fact that it is responsible for the PSAT/NMSQT.
Ohio homeschool student w/ SI of 220 rec’d NMSF letter yesterday.
Anon in OH,
Thank you for the information, and congratulations to your student!
Any word on Alaska? Our schools are notoriously known for not knowing anything about NM. I asked our counselor about a timeline for semi finalist name release and he said… I don’t know…‘I think it is sometime in march. Yikes. I am terrified that the letter will be mistaken for junk mail and I won’t get notified if I indeed make the cutoff
Sammie,
Nothing. Worst case you will learn the cutoff from Compass or you’ll be able to call NMSC after the press release date to establish your qualification.
Any idea about Tennessee yet? Daughter has 215 and I’m wondering about her chances.
Elizabeth,
No reports yet. In years where the Commended cutoff is steady, we can usually count on about two-thirds or more Semifinalist cutoffs to remain the same or go lower. Given that TN has been at 215 the last 3 years, 60-70% is probably a fair estimate.
Unfortunately heard yesterday that need to be above a 216 for TN
Do you know if there are specific instructions in the letter sent to schools to not disclose the results to students until mid September? When my older son was an NMF, we asked the counselor the end of August about the letter and he passed along the info. But now there’s a new counselor and she’s saying that she can’t disclose the results until weeks from now.
Mel,
I don’t have the exact language handy, but NMSC leaves it vague and asks that schools not make the information “public” until the press release date. I’d estimate that half of schools interpret this to mean that telling students is acceptable. The information is not being shared publicly, but between school and student. Publicizing it in the school newspaper should wait. However, about half of schools interpret the instructions to mean that schools should keep the information secret until the press release date. While I’m certainly in the first camp — NMSC could easily specify that schools not tell students — it’s best not to get into a dispute with a counselor. After all, she will be guiding the student through the Finalist process and may be in charge of the recommendation. You’ve just got to hold on two more weeks. Or until Compass can determine the cutoffs.
Son with 220 SI in MS received NMSF letter yesterday. Letter specifically said it could be given to student to share with his family, but that nothing should be shared publicly until Sep 13.
Hi Mr. Sawyer, Any further thoughts on the Georgia cutoff? My son has a score index of 220. Thanks!
Kat,
No new news, but I remain confident that 220 will hold in Georgia. I don’t expect any states to set new records this year.
Hello Mr. Sawyer. I got a 218 in Georgia. Last year this was the cutoff however it was 219 for the years prior. What are your thoughts on Georgia’s cutoff and do you think a 218 is enough?
I don’t think we know enough about Georgia to say much more than 50/50 for a 218.
219 is Semifinalist in Georgia. I am not sure how low it goes. Found out two days ago.
Congratulations! I’ll update Georgia’s information now.
Hello. My son got an index of 218 in pa. What are his chances?
Anon,
I’d say that it’s in the 70-80% range. In the last 7 years, PA’s cutoff has gone above 218 3 times, but those have all been in “up” years, where the Commended level fell above 210.
HS Principal in Texas confirmed he has received the list. But will not announce until Sept. 13th.
Any word re Texas?
No Texas results yet.
My child was shown the Texas list today and they made it with a 219.
Texas,
Congratulations! So we now know that Texas has not gone up. Thank you for sharing.
Was 219 a yes or a no for semifinalist? I understand your comment to be yes, but Art’s response sounded like no.
Another,
It was a yes. Sorry, if my comment was confusing. I meant that the Texas cutoff can be no higher than 219. It’s still possible that it is lower.
Thank you for sharing! My child got a 221 in Texas but her school has not notified her yet.
Congratulations!
Any updates re: Texas? Son has a 218 and we’re on pins and needles.
Nothing beyond what I’ve already noted. Fingers crossed.
Thank you! 🤞
Son with 220 SI in MS received NMSF letter yesterday. Letter specifically said it could be given to student to share with his family, but that nothing should be shared publicly until Sep 13.
Anonymous,
It’s always frustrating that so many schools won’t share the information with families. Thank you for the confirmation, and congratulations to your son!
Hello Mr. Sawyer, What are the chances for 221 in California. No communication from school as yet.
I think the chances are good (maybe 70-80%). California has hit 222 and 223, but those were in years where most scores skewed high. This is a “down” year.
My daughter with a 222 SI in California received her letter today.
Congratulations! I will update the information on California. Thank you.
My daughter in CA with a 221 SI received word from her guidance counselor that she is a Semi-Finalist.
Congratulations to your daughter! The 221 will come as a relief to many students. Thank you.