PSAT Cutoff: What You Need to Know About Scores and College Readiness

When students take the PSAT, a standardized test used to measure academic readiness for college and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Also known as the Preliminary SAT, it’s not just a practice test—it’s a gateway to scholarships and a real indicator of how prepared you are for the SAT and college-level work. The PSAT cutoff is the minimum score you need in your state to become a National Merit Semifinalist. These cutoffs change every year and vary by state because they’re based on how students in each state perform. A score that qualifies you in Nebraska might not be enough in California or New York.

The PSAT cutoff isn’t just about one number. It’s tied to your National Merit Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship program that awards money to high-scoring juniors based on their PSAT results. To even be considered, you need to hit the top 1% of scorers in your state. That’s usually a Selection Index score between 205 and 225, depending on where you live. The Selection Index is calculated by adding your Reading, Writing, and Math scores (each out of 38) and multiplying by two. So if you score 35 in Reading, 36 in Writing, and 37 in Math, your Selection Index is (35+36+37) × 2 = 212. That could be enough in some states, but not others.

Many students think a high PSAT score is only useful for scholarships, but it’s also a powerful predictor of SAT performance. If you score above 1200 on the PSAT, you’re likely to score above 1300 on the SAT with similar preparation. Schools and counselors use PSAT scores to identify students who might benefit from advanced coursework or college prep programs. And if you’re aiming for competitive colleges, a strong PSAT score—even if you don’t make National Merit—signals to admissions officers that you’re serious about academics.

There’s no single national cutoff. The College Board releases state-specific cutoffs each year, and they’re not public until after the results come out. That’s why it’s smart to aim higher than last year’s numbers. If the cutoff in your state was 218 last year, target 220+ this time. Don’t wait until senior year to worry about it. Start preparing in sophomore year. Use official practice tests from the College Board. Focus on your weak sections. The PSAT isn’t about memorizing tricks—it’s about showing you can think clearly under pressure.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides on how to raise your PSAT score, what to do after you get your results, and how to turn your performance into real opportunities—whether it’s a scholarship, a stronger college application, or just the confidence to crush the SAT.