The National Merit Scholarship Process
Every stage from the October PSAT/NMSQT to scholarship awards, with the dates that apply to the Class of 2027 (juniors in 2025–26) and the Class of 2028 (juniors in 2026–27).
The short version
Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of junior year → your Selection Index is compared to the national Commended cutoff (April) and your state's Semifinalist cutoff (September of senior year) → Semifinalists apply and confirm with an SAT or ACT score → Finalists are named in February → scholarships are awarded March through July.
National Merit Timeline
October, junior year
Take the PSAT/NMSQT
The only test that enters you in the competition. Class of 2028: October 2026. You must be enrolled full time in high school, plan to enroll in college the fall after graduation, and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (or applying). Missed it? Request Alternate Entry by April 1.
November, junior year
Scores released
Section scores and your Selection Index appear in your College Board account. Formula: (Reading & Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10. Calculate it here.
April, junior year
Commended cutoff announced
NMSC sets the national Commended Student cutoff (208 for the Class of 2027, 210 for the Class of 2026). Everyone at or above it is in the top ~50,000 and will be either Commended or Semifinalist.
Early September, senior year
Semifinalists notified through schools
NMSC mails Semifinalist letters and application packets to principals about a week before the public announcement. Schools tell students first. About 16,000 students, allocated by state.
Second week of September, senior year
Public announcement and state cutoffs
Class of 2027: September 9, 2026. NMSC releases state lists to the media, and the state cutoffs become known. Commended Students receive letters through their schools in late September.
Early October, senior year
Semifinalist application due
Submitted online through the school. It includes an essay, your transcript, an activities list, a principal's recommendation and endorsement, and a confirming SAT or ACT score (taken between fall of junior year and December of senior year; scores must be sent to NMSC, code 0085).
February, senior year
Finalists named
About 15,000 of the 16,000+ Semifinalists (roughly 95%) advance. Those who do not usually had an incomplete application, a missing confirming score, or a school endorsement issue.
March–July, senior year
Scholarships awarded
Winners are announced in waves: National Merit $2,500 Scholarships (March), corporate-sponsored awards (April–May), and college-sponsored awards (May–July). About 6,700 Finalists receive an NMSC-administered scholarship; many more receive university merit packages tied to Finalist status.
Recognition Levels
Commended Student (~34,000)
Requirement: Selection Index at or above 208 (Class of 2027) but below your state's Semifinalist cutoff.
You get: Letter of Commendation, eligibility for some corporate Special Scholarships, a credential for applications.
Semifinalist (~16,000)
Requirement: Selection Index at or above your state's cutoff (208–223 for the Class of 2027).
You get: Top ~1% in your state, eligibility to apply for Finalist standing, and early merit-aid offers from many universities.
Finalist (~15,000)
Requirement: Complete application, strong record, principal endorsement, confirming SAT/ACT score.
You get: Consideration for all three scholarship types and the college packages described on our benefits page.
Scholar (~6,700)
Requirement: Finalist selected for a National Merit $2,500, corporate-sponsored, or college-sponsored award.
You get: The Merit Scholar title and the award, from a one-time $2,500 to renewable full-cost-of-attendance packages.
Why State Cutoffs Differ
NMSC allocates Semifinalist slots to each state in proportion to its share of graduating seniors, then sets the state cutoff at the Selection Index that produces about that many students. Competitive states land higher. For the Class of 2027 the range was 208 to 223; see the full table with five years of history.
Tips That Actually Matter
- Junior-year October is the one shot. Prepare for it the way you would for the SAT; see prep options.
- Take the SAT or ACT by fall of senior year. Finalists need a confirming score, and December of senior year is the last accepted date. Send scores to NMSC (SAT code 0085).
- Keep the transcript clean. NMSC reviews grades 9–12; a weak semester needs an explanation in the application.
- Name a first-choice college. College-sponsored awards require you to designate the sponsor as first choice with NMSC by the school's deadline (often May 31 or earlier).
- Watch the school deadline, not NMSC's. Principals must complete their portion; many schools set an internal deadline in late September.
Class of 2027 Semifinalists: your application is due to NMSC in early October 2026. Find your state's published Semifinalist list.