What PSAT score do you need for National Merit?
You need a Selection Index at or above your state's cutoff, which for the class of 2027 ran from 208 to 223. The index is (2 × Reading and Writing + Math) ÷ 10, with a maximum of 228. A 208 earns Commended recognition nationwide. Semifinalist cutoffs are higher in most states, from 208 in Wyoming to 223 in New Jersey and Washington, DC.
In more detail
National Merit does not look at your total PSAT score. It doubles your Reading and Writing section score, adds your Math score and divides by 10. A 740 in Reading and Writing and a 720 in Math gives (1,480 + 720) ÷ 10 = 220. Because Reading and Writing counts twice, 10 more points there add 2 to your index and 10 more points in Math add 1. You can work out your index from your section scores before any list comes out.
There are two cutoffs. The Commended cutoff is national: 208 for the class of 2027, after 210 for 2026, 208 for 2025 and 207 for 2024. The Semifinalist cutoff is set per state, because each state gets a share of the roughly 16,000 Semifinalist spots in proportion to its graduating seniors. For the class of 2027 every state fell by 1 to 7 points from the year before. NMSC does not publish a state table, so the numbers below come from school and district announcements gathered by test prep firms. Ask your counselor to confirm yours.
Only the PSAT/NMSQT taken in the entry year counts, which is normally 11th grade. The October 2026 test is the qualifying test for the class of 2028, and NMSC says it expects to offer 7,320 scholarships in that program. Reaching Semifinalist is the first step. You then need to apply as a Finalist, with your academic record, a school recommendation and SAT or ACT scores that confirm your PSAT. Commended Students are recognized but do not move on to the scholarship stage.
Class of 2027 cutoffs (PSAT/NMSQT taken October 2025)
| Level or state | Selection Index | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Commended (national) | 208 | Same in every state |
| Lowest Semifinalist cutoff | 208 | Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming |
| Florida | 216 | Semifinalist |
| Texas | 219 | Semifinalist |
| California and New York | 220 | Semifinalist |
| Massachusetts | 221 | Semifinalist |
| Highest cutoff | 223 | New Jersey, Washington, DC, US students abroad |
Step by step
- 1
Work out your Selection Index: double your Reading and Writing score, add Math, divide by 10.
- 2
Find your state's cutoff from your counselor or last year's school announcement.
- 3
Add a cushion of 2 to 3 points, since cutoffs moved by 1 to 7 points between classes.
- 4
Turn the gap into points: 10 more in Reading and Writing is +2, 10 more in Math is +1.
- 5
Practice timed sections on your weakest topics before the October test.
How StudyPDF helps
StudyPDF cannot move your state's cutoff, but it can help you close the gap. Put your PSAT prep book chapters, class notes and the questions you missed into a course, and it builds flashcards, quizzes and timed practice sets on the Reading and Writing and Math topics that cost you points, then tracks per concept what still trips you up. Set the test date in the Plan tab for dated sessions up to the day. The free plan covers about 4 materials a week, no card needed.
See also
More questions
What PSAT score do you need to be a Commended Student?
A Selection Index of 208 for the class of 2027. For example, 700 in Reading and Writing and 680 in Math gives (1,400 + 680) ÷ 10 = 208. The cutoff changes a little each year.
Does National Merit use the SAT?
Not to qualify. Only the PSAT/NMSQT puts you in the competition. Semifinalists later submit SAT or ACT scores that confirm their PSAT result when they apply to become Finalists.
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