National Merit Selection Index calculator
Enter your PSAT/NMSQT section scores to get your Selection Index (48–228), then choose your state to compare it with the latest Semifinalist cutoff.
By Kim Strauch · Last updated · Free, no signup required
Calculate your Selection Index
PSAT/NMSQT section score · counts twice
PSAT/NMSQT section score · 160–760
Selection Index
208
Commended range. Choose your state to compare with its Semifinalist cutoff.
These are class of 2027 cutoffs. Your class's cutoffs may be higher or lower. See every state's cutoff
The Selection Index formula
Selection Index = (2 × Reading and Writing + Math) ÷ 10. Because Reading and Writing counts twice, 10 points there are worth 2 index points, but 10 points in Math are worth only 1. Don't have section scores yet? Estimate them with the PSAT/NMSQT score calculator.
| Level | Selection Index | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Commended Student | 208+ (national) | About 34,000 juniors. A letter of commendation; not a Semifinalist. |
| Semifinalist | 208–223 (by state) | About 16,000 students nationally, under 1% of juniors. |
| Finalist | Semifinalist cutoff | Semifinalists who complete the application, including a confirming SAT or ACT score. |
The Commended level for the class of 2027 was 208, after 210 for 2026 and 208 for 2025. Read how National Merit qualification works for the full path from PSAT to Finalist.
State Semifinalist cutoffs
Each state gets a share of Semifinalists based on its number of graduating seniors, so cutoffs differ widely. These are the class of 2027 cutoffs, announced in September 2026. Cutoffs for the class of 2028, juniors taking the PSAT/NMSQT this October, won't be announced until September 2027 and could move several points in either direction.
For what changed this year and what to aim for, see National Merit cutoffs by state.
| 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 |
| Studying abroad | 223 | 225 |
| U.S. territories | 208 | 210 |
Semifinalist standing can unlock large awards; see colleges with automatic merit scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Selection Index calculated?
Double your Reading and Writing score, add your Math score, and divide by 10. For example, 700 Reading and Writing and 680 Math gives (1400 + 680) ÷ 10 = 208.
What Selection Index do I need to be a Semifinalist?
It depends on your state. For the class of 2027, cutoffs ranged from 208 to 223. The national Commended level was 208.
Which PSAT counts for National Merit?
Only the PSAT/NMSQT taken in 11th grade (or the year before you finish high school). The PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 don't qualify.
Why does Reading and Writing count twice?
The index originally weighted two verbal scores (Reading and Writing) and one Math score. When the sections merged, NMSC kept the same balance by doubling Reading and Writing.
When are cutoffs announced?
NMSC notifies schools in September of senior year. It doesn't publish a state-by-state table, so cutoffs are compiled from school and state announcements.
Sources
- National Merit Scholarship Corporation
- Compass Education Group: state Semifinalist cutoffs compiled from NMSC notices
SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 are trademarks of College Board. National Merit is a trademark of National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Sharp is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations.