National Merit, Start to Finish
DigitalPSAT.org tracks the PSAT/NMSQT and the National Merit Scholarship Program: this year's cutoffs, five years of history, who made Semifinalist, how the Selection Index works, and what the recognition is worth.
2027 State Cutoffs
Official Semifinalist cutoffs for all 50 states plus DC, territories and students abroad, with a five-year history (2023–2027), a color-coded map, and the biggest year-over-year changes.
2027 Semifinalist Lists
Official NMSC state press-release PDFs for 23 states plus newspaper lists for others. Names by city and high school. New states added as they publish.
Selection Index Calculator
Enter your Reading & Writing and Math scores; get your Selection Index and an instant check against your state's cutoff and the 208 Commended line.
National Merit Timeline
From the October PSAT through Commended, Semifinalist, Finalist and scholarship winner, with every deadline in order.
About the Digital PSAT
Format, timing, adaptive modules, scoring (320–1520) and why only the junior-year October test counts for National Merit.
What National Merit Is Worth
$2,500 NMSC awards, corporate scholarships, and college-sponsored packages that reach full cost of attendance at dozens of universities.
PSAT Prep Programs
Prep companies with National Merit track records, compared on format, price and geography, plus free self-study options.
FAQ
Straight answers on cutoffs, Selection Index, Alternate Entry, Commended vs Semifinalist, and whether colleges see PSAT scores.
Class of 2027 at a Glance
The Class of 2026 set record highs (MA, NJ and DC at 225) because the October 2024 PSAT's Reading & Writing scale was unusually lenient. The October 2025 test swung the other way, and all 51 state cutoffs fell. Full analysis and the complete table are on the state cutoffs page.
Key Dates for the Class of 2028
- October 2026: PSAT/NMSQT for current juniors (the only test that counts for National Merit).
- November 2026: Scores released; compute your Selection Index.
- April 2027: NMSC announces the Class of 2028 Commended cutoff.
- September 2027: Class of 2028 Semifinalists and state cutoffs announced.