What is the National Merit Scholar Competition/Test (NMSQT) and How Does it Relate to the PSAT?

Junior year PSAT test takers are automatically considered for the National Merit Scholar competition, so the PSAT for juniors is officially known as the NMSQT/PSAT. Each scaled score out of 1520 is assigned to a national selection index score out of a maximum 228 points.  

What if I Missed the PSAT-- Is There Any Other Way to Qualify for National Merit? 

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation always offers the option to apply through an alternate method if a student has missed the PSAT because of illness or other extenuating circumstance. In that case, the student must write to National Merit no later than April 1 after the missed PSAT, and National Merit will then determine whether the student qualifies for alternate entry. 

How Do I Become a National Merit Scholar, a Finalist, or a Semi-finalist? 

To qualify as a semi-finalist, a student must score at or above the selection index for the state. It is a state-relevant index– students in certain states score on average higher than students in other states. Thus, the top 1% of scorers in New Jersey will have a higher index score than the top 1% of scorers in, for example, New Mexico. For the Class of 2022, the state selection index in New Jersey was 222; that same year the state selection index in New Mexico was 211. 

What is the National Merit Cutoff for Class of 2023?

We do not yet know what the indices will be for the Class of 2023. The final index is not released until spring, so right now we can only forecast cut offs. It is safe to say, however, that the selection index to qualify as a semi-finalist in New Jersey will likely be at or above 220. 

If a test taker qualifies as a semi-finalist, there is then a finalist round that requires submission of an application via the high school (about 90% of semifinalists become finalists).

Do I Win Scholarships for Being a National Merit Finalist ? 

Scholarships of $2,500 are awarded to winners (approximately 50% of finalists). But the big money doesn’t come from the National Merit Scholar Foundation; rather, many colleges provide automatic merit aid to winners that can be extremely generous, including full tuition and even some full ride scholarships. 

I Scored Below the PSAT Cutoff for Class of 2023. Now What? Will I Qualify for Commended Scholar?

Commended scholars are assessed on a national basis. College Board provides this designation to the top 50,000 scorers nationally. Predictions are that this year the cutoff will be below 210 for any US student. This is also a huge honor, and commended scholars should be proud!