Tutoring News Post

Class of 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist Selection Index Cutoffs for the PSAT and SAT

September 9, 2026: The official class of 2027 statewide SI cutoffs have been officially released by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation! They range from 208 (Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming) to 223 out of a possible 228 points in New Jersey, and Washington, D.C..

Cutoffs in all 50 states have fallen (1 to 7 points) from last year's historic highs, and this year's average drop was an incredible 3.2 points.

High schoolers: if you missed out becoming a on National Merit semifinalist, don’t fret: studies have suggested that fewer than 30% of Ivy League students are National Merit semifinalists, finalists, or scholarship winners. To state the obvious, some of the 50 U.S. states are obviously far more competitive than others -- and colleges will keep this in mind during the admission process.

The main qualification for National Merit is a high PSAT score (out of 1520), unless you utilize the little-known / controversial Alternate Entry process for students who are unable to take the 11th-grade PSAT. Thus, a high SAT score (out of 1600) in one's junior or senior year will in most cases serve the same purpose.

You can also rest assured that, unlike SAT and ACT scores, PSAT scores are not an official part of the college admissions process. In other words, including your PSAT score on your college applications is 100% optional.

Best of luck on your PSATs, SATs, college applications, and beyond.

-Brian

2025 Guide to the National Merit Scholarship Program

Information about the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Competition

Requirements and Instructions for Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program

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Official Statewide Class of 2027 Selection Index (SI) Cutoffs:

Alabama 210 (214 last year) -4
Alaska 208 (215 last year) -7
Arizona 215 (217 last year) -2
Arkansas 210 (215 last year) -5
California 220 (224 last year) -4
Colorado 217 (219 last year) -2
Connecticut 220 (223 last year) -3
Delaware 219 (220 last year) -1
Florida 216 (219 last year) -3
Georgia 217 (220 last year) -3
Hawaii 218 (219 last year) -1
Idaho 211 (215 last year) -4
Illinois 218 (222 last year) -4
Indiana 215 (218 last year) -3
Iowa 210 (214 last year) -4
Kansas 212 (216 last year) -4
Kentucky 211 (214 last year) -3
Louisiana 211 (216 last year) -5
Maine 214 (217 last year) -3
Maryland 222 (224 last year) -2
Massachusetts 221 (225 last year) -4
Michigan 216 (220 last year) -4
Minnesota 214 (219 last year) -5
Mississippi 211 (213 last year) -2
Missouri 214 (217 last year) -3
Montana 208 (213 last year) -5
Nebraska 212 (214 last year) -2
Nevada 211 (214 last year) -3
New Hampshire 215 (219 last year) -4
New Jersey 223 (225 last year) -2
New Mexico 209 (210 last year) -1
New York 220 (223 last year) -3
North Carolina 217 (220 last year) -3
North Dakota 208 (210 last year) -2
Ohio 216 (219 last year) -3
Oklahoma 210 (212 last year) -2
Oregon 216 (219 last year) -3
Pennsylvania 219 (221 last year) -2
Rhode Island 213 (219 last year) -6
South Carolina 212 (215 last year) -3
South Dakota 210 (211 last year) -1
Tennessee 214 (219 last year) -5
Texas 219 (222 last year) -3
Utah 209 (213 last year) -4
Vermont 212 (216 last year) -4
Virginia 221 (224 last year) -3
Washington 221 (224 last year) -3
Washington, D.C. 223 (225 last year) -2
West Virginia 208 (210 last year) -2
Wisconsin 212 (215 last year) -3
Wyoming 208 (210 last year) -2