Frequently Asked Questions

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) serves two main purposes: it provides practice for the SAT and qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Only your junior year PSAT score counts toward National Merit consideration, making it a crucial opportunity to compete for prestigious recognition and potentially substantial scholarship money.

The PSAT is typically offered in October each year. While you can take it in 10th grade for practice, only your junior year score (11th grade) counts for National Merit Scholarship consideration. The test is usually administered at your high school, so check with your guidance counselor for your school's specific test date.

The Selection Index is the score used to determine National Merit eligibility. It ranges from 48 to 228. To calculate it: double your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score, add your Math score, then divide by 10.

Formula: (Reading/Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10

Example: If you score 720 Reading/Writing and 730 Math:
(720 × 2 + 730) ÷ 10 = 217 Selection Index

The Commended Student cutoff for the Class of 2026 is confirmed at a Selection Index of 210. This is a national cutoff, meaning approximately 36,000 students nationwide who score 210 or above will receive Commended Student recognition or advance to Semifinalist status. The Commended cutoff is the same for all states.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation allocates approximately 16,000 Semifinalist positions among states based on each state's proportion of high school graduates, not PSAT test-takers. This ensures representation from all states. As a result, states with more competitive testing populations (like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California) have higher cutoffs, while other states have lower cutoffs. This system means that qualifying scores can range from 210 to 225 depending on your state.

To become a Finalist, you must first qualify as a Semifinalist based on your PSAT Selection Index. Then you need to:

• Submit a detailed application including an essay
• Have a strong academic record (high GPA)
• Take the SAT and achieve a confirming score
• Receive a recommendation from your high school
• Demonstrate citizenship and leadership

About 15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists advance to Finalist status each year.

National Merit Finalists can receive scholarships from three sources:

• National Merit Scholarships: $2,500 one-time awards
• Corporate-sponsored scholarships: Ranging from $500-$10,000 per year
• College-sponsored scholarships: Many universities offer substantial awards ranging from $1,000 per year to full tuition, and some even offer full-ride packages worth over $200,000

Approximately 7,500 Finalists receive National Merit Scholarships, but many more receive college-sponsored awards directly from universities.

If you missed the PSAT for a legitimate reason, you may still enter the National Merit program through Alternate Entry. You must submit a written request to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for an Alternate Entry application, which requires your principal or counselor's signature. The application must be postmarked by April 1st following the October test date. You'll need to submit SAT scores in place of PSAT scores.

The timeline for National Merit recognition is:

• April: Commended Student cutoff is announced (210 for Class of 2026)
• September (senior year): High schools receive Semifinalist lists and notify students
• Mid-September: Official public announcement of Semifinalists
• February: Finalist notifications
• March-June: Scholarship winners announced

If you're aiming for National Merit Semifinalist status, preparation can make a significant difference. Consider a prep course if:

• Your practice test scores are within 30 points of your state's cutoff
• You want structured guidance and proven strategies
• You need accountability and consistent practice
• Your state has a high cutoff (215+)

Many students successfully self-study using official College Board materials, but prep courses can provide an edge, especially in competitive states. Check our test prep recommendations for programs with strong National Merit track records.

The PSAT and SAT test the same skills and use very similar question types, but the PSAT is slightly shorter and covers a narrower range of topics. The main differences are:

• PSAT is about 45 minutes shorter
• PSAT score range is 320-1520 vs SAT's 400-1600
• PSAT has no essay option (SAT previously had one but it's been discontinued)
• SAT may include more advanced math topics

Overall difficulty is comparable, making the PSAT excellent SAT practice.

No, colleges do not receive your PSAT scores directly. Only you, your school, and scholarship programs (if you qualify) see your PSAT results. This makes it a low-stakes practice opportunity. However, if you become a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist, that recognition is something you would include on your college applications.

For National Merit purposes, you only get one chance: the October PSAT in your junior year. There are no retakes or makeup dates that count for National Merit qualification. However, you can take the SAT multiple times later, and SAT scores are what colleges primarily use for admissions decisions.

Commended Students score above the national cutoff (210 for Class of 2026) but below their state's Semifinalist cutoff. They receive a Letter of Commendation and academic recognition, but cannot advance to Finalist status or receive National Merit Scholarships.

Semifinalists meet or exceed their state's cutoff (ranging from 210-225 for Class of 2026) and represent the top 1% in their state. They can complete an application to advance to Finalist status and compete for scholarships.

The amount of preparation needed varies by student and target score:

• If you're far from your state's cutoff (20+ points): 2-6 months of consistent study
• If you're close (within 10-20 points): 1-3 months of targeted practice
• If you're at or above your state's cutoff: Light review to maintain your skills

Focus on official practice materials from College Board and take full-length practice tests to gauge your progress.