Illinois National Merit Cutoff 2027: 218
Class of 2027 Semifinalist cutoff for Illinois, announced September 9, 2026, with five years of history and the official 2027 Semifinalist list.
Illinois Class of 2027: a Selection Index of 218 or higher on the October 2025 PSAT/NMSQT qualified as a National Merit Semifinalist. The national Commended Student cutoff is 208. Illinois shares this cutoff with Hawaii.
Illinois National Merit Cutoff History (2023–2027)
| Year | Illinois cutoff | Change | vs Commended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2027 | 218 | -4 | +10 |
| Class of 2026 | 222 | +2 | +12 |
| Class of 2025 | 220 | +1 | +12 |
| Class of 2024 | 219 | 0 | +12 |
| Class of 2023 | 219 | — | +12 |
Sources: NMSC announcements via Compass Education Group, McElroy Tutoring and r/psat. "vs Commended" is the gap between Illinois's cutoff and that year's national Commended cutoff.
Illinois Class of 2027 Semifinalist List
Download the official Illinois Class of 2027 Semifinalist list (PDF) — NMSC press release listing every Semifinalist by city and high school.
See Semifinalist lists for every state.
Am I a National Merit Semifinalist in Illinois?
Take your PSAT/NMSQT section scores and compute (Reading & Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10. If the result is 218 or higher and you took the test in October 2025 as a junior in Illinois, you meet the Class of 2027 cutoff. Use the Selection Index calculator to check instantly, then read what happens next (the Finalist application is due in early October).
Illinois FAQ
What is the National Merit cutoff for Illinois for the Class of 2027?
The Illinois Semifinalist cutoff is a Selection Index of 218, announced by NMSC on September 9, 2026. That is -4 from the Class of 2026 cutoff of 222.
What PSAT score do you need for National Merit in Illinois?
A Selection Index of 218 or higher for the Class of 2027. Selection Index is (Reading & Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10, so a 720 Reading & Writing with 740 Math, or a 700 Reading & Writing with 780 Math would reach 218.
Is 218 a hard cutoff in Illinois?
Meeting it is enough: a 218 qualified. Illinois ranks #13 of 51 (50 states plus DC) for the Class of 2027, tied with Hawaii. The Class of 2027 Illinois cutoff is 10 points above the national Commended cutoff of 208.
What will the Illinois National Merit cutoff be for the Class of 2028?
NMSC announces it in September 2027. Over the last five years Illinois has ranged from 218 to 222. Students taking the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT should aim for the top of that range to be safe.