Class of 2026 National Merit PSAT Cutoffs

Access the new Class of 2026 National Merit PSAT/NMSQT cutoff scores, with expert analysis of West Coast trends — and tips for students targeting Semifinalist status.

Good news for data-watchers: the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has released the Semifinalist qualifying scores for the Class of 2026. If you took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2024, these state-by-state Selection Index (SI) cutoffs determine Semifinalist status announced this fall. You can review NMSC’s program details and timeline on the official site.

Quick Reference: West Coast State Cutoffs (Class of 2026)

The Selection Index is not your PSAT total score. It’s a weighted sum of your Reading & Writing and Math test scores (R&W counts double, a holdover from when the SAT had three section scores). Your SI determines eligibility within your state.

undefined	2026 SI Cutoff	Semifinalists	High Schools
California	224	2,172	379
Washington	224	388	78
Oregon	219	188	44
Arizona	218	409	92
Colorado	219	287	102
Hawaii	219	60	12
Idaho	215	90	35
Nevada	214	185	41
Utah	213	199	66
Alaska	215	31	14

(Figures above come from NMSC’s official Class of 2026 tables.)

Why are CA and WA higher than OR?

Even though the PSAT is the same test nationwide, cutoffs vary by state because NMSC recognizes roughly the top 1% of test-takers in each state. That simple rule produces meaningful differences:

1. Score distribution & density of top performers: States with a large concentration of high-scoring districts—often near major metros and selective magnet programs—tend to push the right tail of the score distribution upward. That’s a big reason you see California (224) and Washington (224) at the top end.

2. Participation patterns: While the PSAT is broadly offered, where and how it’s adopted matters. In some regions, participation is highest among students already on a competitive college track. When a state’s PSAT pool skews more competitive, the resulting top 1% cutoff rises.

3. Local academic ecosystems: Access to advanced coursework (e.g., AP/IB), enrichment, and robust literacy/STEM pipelines contributes cumulatively to higher PSAT performance at scale. Oregon certainly has excellent schools, but its overall SI cutoff (219) sits slightly below CA/WA because its statewide distribution of very top scorers isn’t quite as concentrated.

Bottom line: Oregon’s cutoff at 219 is still strong, but California and Washington land at the near-maximum end (224) due to a denser cluster of top-percentile scores.

A note on fairness

Because recognition is allocated by state-based percentiles, students compete within their state’s pool—not against a national single cutoff. This design ensures broad geographic representation, but it also means cutoffs in high‑performing states (like CA and WA) run very high, while smaller or less concentrated states may settle a bit lower. That’s by design.

How 2026 compares at a glance

• The highest state-level cutoffs this year are clustered at 224–225 (with D.C. and several Northeast states topping the range).

• California and Washington remain among the most competitive states.

• Oregon continues to be high but a notch below its neighbors to the north and south, at 219.

(Note: NMSC cutoffs shift subtly year to year because they’re always pegged to each state’s top ~1%.)

What if your SI is close to your state’s cutoff?

• At/above the cutoff: Congratulations—you should be in the Semifinalist pool for your state. NMSC sends school-based notifications and official instructions for moving to Finalist status.

• Just below the cutoff: You may still qualify as Commended (nationally recognized but below your state’s Semifinalist line). Commended recognition is a meaningful academic honor and can still be included on applications and scholarship forms.

• Well below the cutoff (as a junior): Use your PSAT experience to fine‑tune your SAT prep; you can convert insights directly to the digital SAT format.

Action Plan for Juniors & Their Families

Here’s how to leverage the PSAT/NMSQT results—no matter where your SI landed:

1. Translate insights to SAT prep: Because the digital PSAT and SAT share structure, skills, and item styles, your PSAT performance is a near‑perfect diagnostic for the SAT. Focus on the domains that drive the biggest SAT gains:

   • R&W: Standard English Conventions, Words in Context, Evidence/Inference

   • Math: Algebra, Advanced Math (functions/equations), and Data Analysis

2. Set a timeline that works backward from target test dates: For most students, that means March/May or June of junior year for an initial official SAT, followed by a late‑spring or fall retake if needed. Build 6–12+ weeks for structured prep depending on your baseline and score goal.

3. Prioritize high‑yield practice

   • Take full‑length digital practice tests and review every miss for cause: content gap, timing, or strategy.

   • Drill weak subskills in short, frequent sets (15–25 minutes).

   • Use Desmos features (graphing, table, and function analysis) strategically on SAT Math.

4. If you’re a potential Finalist: Stay on top of NMSC’s finalist paperwork and deadlines, and continue to cultivate academic consistency (transcript, grading period performance, and respectful communication with your school’s NMSC contact).

Frequently Asked Questions

• What exactly is the Selection Index (SI)? It’s a PSAT/NMSQT‑specific scoring metric weighting Reading & Writing twice as much as Math. It’s used only for National Merit recognition, not for college admissions.

• Does my PSAT SI affect SAT/ACT choices? Not directly—but it’s an excellent predictor of how you’ll perform on the SAT, which shares content and adaptive design with the PSAT.

• If I’m in Oregon and scored a 219 SI, am I a Semifinalist? Yes—219 is Oregon’s 2026 Semifinalist cutoff. If you’re in California or Washington, you’ll need 224 or higher.

• How do I confirm my school submitted everything correctly? NMSC communicates through schools. Keep an open line with your counselor and check the official steps on the NMSC site.

Ready to Turn PSAT Momentum into SAT Success?

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• Talk with a program advisor (free).

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