Rhode Island National Merit Cutoff 2027: 213
Class of 2027 Semifinalist cutoff for Rhode Island, announced September 9, 2026, with five years of history and the official 2027 Semifinalist list.
Rhode Island Class of 2027: a Selection Index of 213 or higher on the October 2025 PSAT/NMSQT qualified as a National Merit Semifinalist. The national Commended Student cutoff is 208.
Rhode Island National Merit Cutoff History (2023–2027)
| Year | Rhode Island cutoff | Change | vs Commended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2027 | 213 | -6 | +5 |
| Class of 2026 | 219 | +2 | +9 |
| Class of 2025 | 217 | +2 | +9 |
| Class of 2024 | 215 | -1 | +8 |
| Class of 2023 | 216 | — | +9 |
Sources: NMSC announcements via Compass Education Group, McElroy Tutoring and r/psat. "vs Commended" is the gap between Rhode Island's cutoff and that year's national Commended cutoff.
Rhode Island Class of 2027 Semifinalist List
Newspaper list: Providence Journal via Yahoo News (full list).
See Semifinalist lists for every state.
Am I a National Merit Semifinalist in Rhode Island?
Take your PSAT/NMSQT section scores and compute (Reading & Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10. If the result is 213 or higher and you took the test in October 2025 as a junior in Rhode Island, 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).
Rhode Island FAQ
What is the National Merit cutoff for Rhode Island for the Class of 2027?
The Rhode Island Semifinalist cutoff is a Selection Index of 213, announced by NMSC on September 9, 2026. That is -6 from the Class of 2026 cutoff of 219.
What PSAT score do you need for National Merit in Rhode Island?
A Selection Index of 213 or higher for the Class of 2027. Selection Index is (Reading & Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10, so a 720 Reading & Writing with 690 Math, or a 700 Reading & Writing with 730 Math would reach 213.
Is 213 a hard cutoff in Rhode Island?
Meeting it is enough: a 213 qualified. Rhode Island ranks #29 of 51 (50 states plus DC) for the Class of 2027. The Class of 2027 Rhode Island cutoff is 5 points above the national Commended cutoff of 208.
What will the Rhode Island National Merit cutoff be for the Class of 2028?
NMSC announces it in September 2027. Over the last five years Rhode Island has ranged from 213 to 219. Students taking the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT should aim for the top of that range to be safe.