News · November 4, 2026
National Merit semifinalist cutoffs by state for the Class of 2027
The PSAT score each state required for National Merit semifinalist status, from the October 2025 PSAT.
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National Merit semifinalist cutoffs for the Class of 2027 ranged from 208 in WY to 223 in DC, on the PSAT's 228-point Selection Index. Cutoffs differ because each state receives a share of semifinalists in proportion to its graduating seniors.
| State | Semifinalist cutoff |
|---|---|
| DC | 223 |
| NJ | 223 |
| MA | 221 |
| MD | 221 |
| VA | 221 |
| WA | 221 |
| CA | 220 |
| CT | 220 |
| NY | 220 |
| DE | 219 |
| PA | 219 |
| TX | 219 |
| HI | 218 |
| IL | 218 |
| CO | 217 |
| GA | 217 |
| NC | 217 |
| FL | 216 |
| MI | 216 |
| OH | 216 |
| OR | 216 |
| AZ | 215 |
| IN | 215 |
| NH | 215 |
| ME | 214 |
| MN | 214 |
| MO | 214 |
| TN | 214 |
| RI | 213 |
| KS | 212 |
| NE | 212 |
| SC | 212 |
| VT | 212 |
| WI | 212 |
| ID | 211 |
| KY | 211 |
| LA | 211 |
| MS | 211 |
| NV | 211 |
| AL | 210 |
| AR | 210 |
| IA | 210 |
| OK | 210 |
| SD | 210 |
| NM | 209 |
| UT | 209 |
| AK | 208 |
| MT | 208 |
| ND | 208 |
| WV | 208 |
| WY | 208 |
Sources
Cutoffs compiled from published state cutoff tables (primary: Compass Education Group), cross-checked across four independent compilations. No source disagreed for this class. National Merit Scholarship Corporation announces semifinalists each September.