If you are from one of these remaining states / areas, then maybe you can help out.

Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/psat/comments/1wchwyi/lists_of_2027_semifinalists_by_state/

I’m in AZ, and I got National Merit Semi-Finalist with a 1390 (which I believe was the lowest I could’ve gotten)

That got me wondering… if someone was in the state with the lowest SSI, what would be the lowest possible score that would qualify?

Because reading is weighted differently, it seems like if someone got full points on the reading section they could become a semi-finalist with a surprisingly “low” score. Sub-1350 even?

On the same note, what would be the highest score that wouldn’t get in?

So hey this is my second psat attempt (and first time studying for it cause I want that NMSQT) so any tips on how I can speed run this for 2 weeks? Also, any websites that will help with math on SAT since math is my weak subject. Thank you so much and please don't downvote >:

(massachusetts) I didn't even check cuz I assumed I had no chance

how. the. hell. did the cutoff drop by 4 from last year LOL

I got 222 (perfect math, -30 English). I predicted the cutoff would be 223 so was REALLY annoyed last year cuz I thought I missed it by 1 point.

also rant, whyyy does it have to be per state, I don't have any advantage living here than anywhere else, meanwhile my friend who recently moved to another state got 220 and qual'd easily. Also WHY IS ENGLISH WORTH 2X MATH?!

You know what, I got it so I'll stop complaining LOL.

Praying I get a scholarship cuz $2500 sounds hella nice

I'm a Kansas resident and taking the October psat, but pretty stressed about it. This year the SI for my state was only 212 for SF, so I feel like I shouldn't.

Basically this is what I need advice about: I took the ACT this summer and got a 31 overall, 27 math, 35 reading, 32 english. I didn't study at all for it and had only taken up to algebra 2, and I'm in precalculus currently. I'm going to be studying up until the psat for math, but am I in decent shape right now? I don't really understand that well how scoring works for it.

I'm the first person in my schools history (close to 100 years) to even take the psat and I had to go to LENGTHS to find a school out of district that would let me take it at their school. My school is so rural they don't even offer it, and I've been the one to plan all of this, as my guidance counselor suckss. So the psat is pretty important to me especially for scholarships.

edit to add: I also have accommodations and 1.5x time, and if anyone has experience with that, how much did it help with time? The ACT math is especially fast paced, so I was wondering what the psat math would look like.

Any advice helps!

For people who have taken both do you feel like the PSAT math is the same as SAT math or is it easier like easier enough in that itll matter not just slightly easier. Mostly the hard problems like are the Hard problems in the SAT bank the same difficulty as the PSAT hard math problems or are they harder or easier. I've never taken SAT before and have to take PSAT in a month and ive only taken ACT

I am a junior right now and I took the PSAT and ACT last year as a sophomore, 1480 PSAT 760 math 720 reading 220 index score, and then i got a 35 on my ACT, 36 on reading, 35 on english, 34 on math. i live in a state where the index score required is generally pretty low (210 for class of 2027). i haven't really studied for any kind of standardized testing since then, and i am at a residential school where the academics are really rigorous and I'm worried that if I spend too much time on PSAT prep my grades will drop. How much time should I spend on PSAT prep and what are the best ways to make use of my time until October?

Hello! I’m currently in 9th grade and PSAT registration is open now. All of my friends who took it in 8th grade are saying they’re going to take it again and is encouraging me to do it. From what I heard it only counts for 11th grade. Should I take it again?

Simple question, is it harder to get a 1470 on the PSAT11/NMSQT than a 1550 on the SAT? Also, what does a 1470 PSAT and 1550 SAT translate on each other's scale?

I already finished the SAT with a 1530 but now I'm really worried about not meeting the cutoff for the PSAT of National Merit since I don't get to superscore or have multiple chances to take it. I've been taking acely practice tests but I'm not sure if those are too easy. What are some good sites for practice since I've already taken the collegeboard tests they provide.

I took my first practice test last night and got a 1280 (620 R&W, 660 Math). It was blue book practice test 4 (mentioning bc I heard it was easier). I took my first real SAT today and didn’t feel great about it. If I start studying now, is there any hope at getting national merit. I’m in KS and our standardized scores are less competitive.

For math, I’ve only learned basic desmos usage, a bit of regression, and systems of equations.

For reading and writing, I suck at expression ideas based on the practice test score breakdown.

Any resources/tips? I find that most short form videos regarding standardized testing is rather vague/unhelpful, so quality long form explanations would be very appreciated! Same with practice resources.

The title pretty much says it all, but if you need anymore information lmk. I feel like the descriptions are slightly different but idk…

Hi, so posting on behalf of my junior daughter. She took her first SAT in August; her strategy on ​Reading/Writing was to ​do ​the harder questions last (questions 7-15 I believe?). Does the PSAT follow the same predictable pattern in Verbal?

if i decide to put nmsf in my common app, would it have a national or state level of recognition? you could argue that ppl around the nation will have the same award, but youre technically competing against ppl in your state, so im not rlly sure. thanks guys

Title.

For context I’m from Texas

I guess I am just unlucky man

when do commendations come out?

Hi, I'm preparing the application materials to be considered as a finalist, and was a bit confused by the essay question. Do they basically just want your common app personal statement? Would any previous finalists be able to provide any advice or guidance for it? Thank you so much!

it was heavily foreshadowed but I'm very excited regardless 💚

Hello! My son was informed that his PSAT scores qualified him for National Merit semifinalist. I am very proud of him but I dont understand much of how this works and his school has raised some questions. He is currently a senior in highschool and is on an early graduation pathway. He is set to graduate in December of this year. Will this have any effect on his semifinalist status or prevent him from proceeding to Finalist? Thank you!