If you're taking the PSAT in October 2025, you're probably wondering: what PSAT score qualifies for National Merit? It’s not just about getting a high score-it’s about being in the top 1% of test-takers in your state. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) doesn’t release a single national cutoff. Instead, they set separate selection indexes for each state based on how students performed that year.

How the National Merit Selection Index Works

The PSAT/NMSQT is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520, but National Merit doesn’t use that total. They calculate a Selection Index using only the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections. Here’s how:

• Add your EBRW score and Math score together
• Double the Math score
• Add those two numbers
• Divide by 10

For example: If you scored 720 in EBRW and 740 in Math:

• EBRW + Math = 720 + 740 = 1460
• Double Math = 740 × 2 = 1480
• 1460 + 1480 = 2940
• 2940 ÷ 10 = 294 (your Selection Index)

This Selection Index is what matters. It ranges from 48 to 228, and you need to hit your state’s cutoff to become a Semifinalist. The cutoffs change every year based on how the top students in each state performed.

2025 PSAT Cutoffs by State (2026 National Merit)

The cutoffs for the Class of 2026 (based on the October 2025 PSAT) were released in September 2025. These are the actual Selection Index cutoffs used by NMSC:

Notice how the cutoffs range from 194 in Rhode Island to 221 in California and Massachusetts? That’s because competition varies. States with more high-achieving students have higher cutoffs. You’re not competing against the whole country-you’re competing against students in your own state.

What Score Do You Need to Be Safe?

If you’re aiming to be a Semifinalist, here’s a rough rule of thumb:

• For competitive states (CA, NY, MA, NJ, VA, IL): Aim for a Selection Index of 218 or higher
• For mid-tier states (TX, FL, OH, GA, NC, MI): Aim for 212-216
• For less competitive states (MT, WY, VT, RI, DE): 195-200 may be enough

That means in California, you’d need around 740 in EBRW and 750 in Math to hit 221. In Wyoming, you might only need 680 and 670.

Most students who qualify score in the 99th percentile nationally. That’s usually a total PSAT score of 1460 or above in high-competition states. But again-it’s not about the national percentile. It’s about your state’s cutoff.

What Happens After You Qualify?

Becoming a Semifinalist is just the first step. About 16,000 students make it each year. Only about 15,000 become Finalists, and roughly 7,500 win scholarships. To move from Semifinalist to Finalist, you need to:

• Take the SAT and score at or above the Selection Index cutoff (no need to beat it-just match it)
• Have a strong high school GPA
• Submit a detailed application with essays and recommendations
• Be enrolled in a U.S. high school and plan to graduate on time

Many students think a perfect SAT score guarantees a scholarship. It doesn’t. You still need to complete the application. The NMSC looks at your whole academic record-not just test scores.

What If You’re Close to the Cutoff?

If your Selection Index is 1-3 points below your state’s cutoff, don’t panic. You might still qualify through the Alternate Entry process. If you took the SAT in the same year as your PSAT and scored higher than your PSAT Selection Index, NMSC may use your SAT score instead. This is rare, but it happens.

Also, if you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad or attending a Department of Defense school, you’re eligible for the same cutoff as the state where your parents reside. So if you’re in London but your family lives in Ohio, you’d use Ohio’s cutoff of 215.

How to Check Your Score

PSAT scores are released in December. You’ll get a detailed score report showing your Selection Index. If you’re close to the cutoff, compare your index to your state’s 2025 cutoff (available on the NMSC website). If you’re within 2-3 points, you’re in the running. If you’re more than 5 points below, you won’t qualify-but that doesn’t mean your score isn’t strong.

Many students with scores in the 200s still get into top colleges and win other scholarships. National Merit is prestigious, but it’s not the only path to financial aid.

What’s the Average PSAT Score?

The national average PSAT score for the Class of 2025 was around 1010. That’s about 505 per section. The average in competitive states like California and Massachusetts was closer to 1150-1200. So if you scored above 1200, you’re already ahead of most students. But again, National Merit isn’t about averages-it’s about being in the top 1% of your state.

Can You Retake the PSAT?

No. You can only take the PSAT/NMSQT for National Merit eligibility once-in your junior year. Sophomore year scores don’t count. Senior year scores don’t count either. That’s why it’s so important to prepare well the first time. If you’re in 10th grade now, use that year to practice. Take the PSAT in 11th grade and give it your best shot.

Final Thoughts

There’s no magic number that works everywhere. The PSAT cutoff for National Merit changes every year and varies by state. Your goal isn’t to hit a national benchmark-it’s to be in the top 1% of students in your own state. Use the 2025 cutoffs as your target. If you’re in a high-competition state, aim for 218+. In lower-competition states, 195+ may be enough.

And remember: qualifying for National Merit is a big deal, but it’s not the only way to get scholarships. Many colleges offer merit aid based on PSAT scores, even if you don’t make the Semifinalist list. Keep your grades up, study hard, and don’t let one score define your future.