Hello! I found out today I received a 1370 on my PSAT (680 critical reading writing 690 math) with a selection index at 205. Last year the cutoff was 208 in Iowa. Do I have a chance this year? Are all candidates awarded a semifinalist status if above the cutoff? Are there any additional steps I need to take? Thanks!
Yes, you have a chance this year. If you’re currently a junior, I think you’re going to be a NMSF.
Last year’s cutoffs were based on a maximum possible PSAT score of 240. This year’s PSAT has a 228 max. That said, all states will see a cutoff of about 95% (228/240) of last year’s number, plus/minus 2-3 points. Iowa’s Selection Index cutoff score will be in the range of 198 plus/minus 3 points. Since your score is 205, I think you’re going to be above the official cutoff for your state. Of course, nothing’s official until you hear from NMSC next summer, but the odds are heavily in your favor.
All candidates that meet or beat their state’s cutoff score are advance to the semifinalist status.
No additional steps are needed at this point. Once you are named NMSF, you have a few tasks to finish, and all will be explained in a letter that your school counselor or principal will give you next September.
Thanks for all the helpful information! This is all pretty new to me still…
He wont get semifinalist status as NMSC only gives it to the top 1 percent of scorers, the 99th percentile. In Iowa, got a 1380, selection index of 211 (did really well on reading and writing) but only got 98th percenitle