National Merit cutoffs by state for the class of 2027

How the Selection Index works

National Merit uses a Selection Index from your PSAT/NMSQT scores, not your total score:

Selection Index = (Reading and Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10

Example: 720 in Reading and Writing and 700 in Math gives (1440 + 700) ÷ 10 = 214. The highest possible Selection Index is 228. Because Reading and Writing counts twice, each point there is worth twice as much.

Class of 2027 Semifinalist cutoffs by state

These are the official cutoffs for students in the class of 2027, who qualified on the October 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. National Merit Scholarship Corporation released them to schools on September 9, 2026. Figures below are from Compass Education Group’s compilation, last updated September 22, 2026.

State	Class of 2027	Class of 2026
Alabama	210	214
Alaska	208	215
Arizona	215	218
Arkansas	210	215
California	220	224
Colorado	217	219
Connecticut	220	223
Delaware	219	220
District of Columbia	223	225
Florida	216	219
Georgia	217	220
Hawaii	218	219
Idaho	211	215
Illinois	218	222
Indiana	215	218
Iowa	210	214
Kansas	212	216
Kentucky	211	214
Louisiana	211	216
Maine	214	217
Maryland	221	224
Massachusetts	221	225
Michigan	216	220
Minnesota	214	219
Mississippi	211	213
Missouri	214	217
Montana	208	213
Nebraska	212	214
Nevada	211	214
New Hampshire	215	219
New Jersey	223	225
New Mexico	209	210
New York	220	223
North Carolina	217	220
North Dakota	208	210
Ohio	216	219
Oklahoma	210	212
Oregon	216	219
Pennsylvania	219	221
Rhode Island	213	219
South Carolina	212	215
South Dakota	210	211
Tennessee	214	219
Texas	219	222
Utah	209	213
Vermont	212	216
Virginia	221	224
Washington	221	224
West Virginia	208	210
Wisconsin	212	215
Wyoming	208	210
U.S. territories	208	210
Studying abroad	223	225

The national Commended cutoff for the class of 2027 is 208, two points lower than the year before.

What the cutoffs mean for you

• Juniors taking the PSAT/NMSQT this fall (class of 2028) will learn their cutoffs in September 2027. Recent cutoffs are a good target range, but they move each year.
• Aim a few points above your state’s recent cutoffs to give yourself a cushion.
• Semifinalist is not the finish line. Semifinalists must meet further requirements, including an SAT or ACT score that confirms the PSAT result, to become Finalists. Check National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s current rules.

How to prepare for a National Merit score

Cutoffs sit near the top of the scale, so every mistake matters.

1. Take an official PSAT practice test in Bluebook to get your starting Selection Index.
2. Focus on Reading and Writing first. It counts twice.
3. Cut careless mistakes. At this level, a few slips can drop you below the cutoff.
4. Practice harder questions in your weakest skills, and review every miss until you can explain the fix.

Dolphin’s free iPhone and Android apps adapt practice to the topics you miss most, with a short video explanation for every question. See PSAT practice to start.

Frequently asked questions

What is the National Merit Commended cutoff for the class of 2027?

The Commended cutoff for the class of 2027 is a Selection Index of 208, down 2 points from the year before, according to Compass Education Group's report of the official numbers. Commended Students are recognized nationally and are not Semifinalists.

How do I calculate my PSAT Selection Index?

Double your Reading and Writing score, add your Math score, and divide by 10. For example, 720 Reading and Writing and 700 Math gives (1440 + 700) / 10 = 214. The highest possible Selection Index is 228.

Which PSAT counts for National Merit?

The PSAT/NMSQT taken in the fall of junior year, for most students, is the qualifying test. Students in the class of 2027 qualified on the October 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. Earlier PSATs are practice.

How can I raise my PSAT score for National Merit?

Reading and Writing counts twice in the Selection Index, so gains there matter more. Take an official PSAT practice test in Bluebook, practice your weakest skills, and review every miss. Because the cutoffs are close to the top of the scale, careless mistakes cost a lot.