Kentucky National Merit Cutoff 2027: 211
Class of 2027 Semifinalist cutoff for Kentucky, announced September 9, 2026, with five years of history and the official 2027 Semifinalist list.
Kentucky Class of 2027: a Selection Index of 211 or higher on the October 2025 PSAT/NMSQT qualified as a National Merit Semifinalist. The national Commended Student cutoff is 208. Kentucky shares this cutoff with Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi and Nevada.
Kentucky National Merit Cutoff History (2023–2027)
| Year | Kentucky cutoff | Change | vs Commended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2027 | 211 | -3 | +3 |
| Class of 2026 | 214 | +1 | +4 |
| Class of 2025 | 213 | +2 | +5 |
| Class of 2024 | 211 | -1 | +4 |
| Class of 2023 | 212 | — | +5 |
Sources: NMSC announcements via Compass Education Group, McElroy Tutoring and r/psat. "vs Commended" is the gap between Kentucky's cutoff and that year's national Commended cutoff.
Kentucky Class of 2027 Semifinalist List
Download the official Kentucky Class of 2027 Semifinalist list (PDF) — NMSC press release listing every Semifinalist by city and high school.
Newspaper list: Lexington Herald-Leader (full list).
See Semifinalist lists for every state.
Am I a National Merit Semifinalist in Kentucky?
Take your PSAT/NMSQT section scores and compute (Reading & Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10. If the result is 211 or higher and you took the test in October 2025 as a junior in Kentucky, 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).
Kentucky FAQ
What is the National Merit cutoff for Kentucky for the Class of 2027?
The Kentucky Semifinalist cutoff is a Selection Index of 211, announced by NMSC on September 9, 2026. That is -3 from the Class of 2026 cutoff of 214.
What PSAT score do you need for National Merit in Kentucky?
A Selection Index of 211 or higher for the Class of 2027. Selection Index is (Reading & Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10, so a 720 Reading & Writing with 670 Math, or a 700 Reading & Writing with 710 Math would reach 211.
Is 211 a hard cutoff in Kentucky?
Meeting it is enough: a 211 qualified. Kentucky ranks #35 of 51 (50 states plus DC) for the Class of 2027, tied with Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi and Nevada. The Class of 2027 Kentucky cutoff is 3 points above the national Commended cutoff of 208.
What will the Kentucky National Merit cutoff be for the Class of 2028?
NMSC announces it in September 2027. Over the last five years Kentucky has ranged from 211 to 214. Students taking the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT should aim for the top of that range to be safe.