The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has announced the cutoff scores for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. These scores represent the minimum scores that students must achieve on the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. The cutoff scores vary from state to state, and they are based on the performance of students from that state on the PSAT/NMSQT. In general, the higher the state’s average score, the higher the cutoff score will be.
The cutoff scores for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program range from 208 to 223. The highest cutoff score is in Wyoming, and the lowest cutoff score is in Mississippi. The average cutoff score for all states is 213. Students who score at or above the cutoff score for their state will be eligible to compete for a National Merit Scholarship. However, only the highest-scoring students from each state will actually receive a scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition that recognizes and rewards outstanding academic achievement. National Merit Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise and potential. These scholarships can help students pay for college and pursue their educational goals.
Anticipated Cutoff Score
The National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) uses a cutoff score to determine which students will receive scholarships. The cutoff score is based on the student’s Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) score. Students who score at or above the cutoff score will be considered for a scholarship.
The anticipated cutoff score for 2025 is 219. This score is based on the average PSAT/NMSQT score of students who received scholarships in 2024. The cutoff score can vary from year to year, depending on the number of students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and the average score of those students.
Students who are aiming for a National Merit Scholarship should strive to score as high as possible on the PSAT/NMSQT. The test is scored on a scale of 320, so a score of 219 is in the top 10% of all students who take the test. Students who score in the top 1% of all students who take the test will be considered for a National Merit Scholarship.
| Year | Cutoff Score |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 220 |
| 2023 | 218 |
| 2022 | 217 |
| 2021 | 216 |
| 2020 | 215 |
Final Selection Process
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will select approximately 7,600 scholarship winners from the approximately 15,000 Finalists. All Finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarships. Approximately half of the 7,600 scholarships will be National Merit $2500 Scholarships, which are one-time only awards. Approximately one-quarter of the scholarships will be corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards, provided by approximately 220 corporations and businesses. These awards vary in number and amount and are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study.
Number of Scholarships Offered by the NMSC and Corporate Sponsors
| Type of Scholarship | Number Offered |
|---|---|
| National Merit $2,500 Scholarships | ~3,800 |
| Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarships | ~3,800 |
| Total Scholarships | ~7,600 |
Selection Criteria
The NMSC uses the following criteria to select scholarship winners from among the Finalists:
- Academic record
- PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score
- NMSC-required recommendation and information about the Finalist’s extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership
- Finalist’s self-reported information
The NMSC does not consider race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or financial need in the selection process.
College-Sponsored Merit Awards
Many colleges and universities offer their own merit scholarships to top students. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. The amount of money awarded varies from school to school, but some colleges offer full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving students.
Factors Considered
The factors considered by colleges when awarding merit scholarships vary. Some of the most common factors include:
- GPA
- Class rank
- SAT or ACT scores
- Extracurricular activities
- Letters of recommendation
- Essays
How to Apply
To apply for a college-sponsored merit scholarship, students should follow these steps:
- Check the website of the college you are interested in to see if they offer merit scholarships.
- If the college does offer merit scholarships, read the application requirements carefully.
- Submit the application materials on time.
Deadlines
The deadlines for college-sponsored merit scholarships vary. Some scholarships have early deadlines, while others have deadlines that are closer to the start of the school year. Students should check the website of the college they are interested in for specific deadlines.
Notification
Students will typically be notified of their scholarship status by mail or email. If you are awarded a merit scholarship, you will need to accept the scholarship and provide the college with your enrollment plans.
Renewal
Most merit scholarships are renewable for multiple years. However, students must maintain a certain GPA and continue to meet the eligibility requirements to renew their scholarship.
National Merit Scholarship Cutoff 2025
The National Merit Scholarship Cutoff is the minimum score required to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. The cutoff score is determined by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and is based on the scores of all students who take the PSAT/NMSQT. The cutoff score varies from year to year, depending on the difficulty of the test and the number of students who take it. For the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, the cutoff score has been set at 221. This means that students who score 221 or higher on the PSAT/NMSQT will be eligible for a National Merit Scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship program that recognizes the academic achievements of high school students. National Merit Scholars are selected based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores and their academic records. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise and who are likely to succeed in college.
People Also Ask About National Merit Scholarship Cutoff 2025
What is the National Merit Scholarship Cutoff?
The National Merit Scholarship Cutoff is the minimum score required to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. For the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, the cutoff score has been set at 221.
How is the National Merit Scholarship Cutoff Determined?
The National Merit Scholarship Cutoff is determined by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and is based on the scores of all students who take the PSAT/NMSQT. The cutoff score varies from year to year, depending on the difficulty of the test and the number of students who take it.
What are the Benefits of Being a National Merit Scholar?
Prestige
National Merit Scholars are recognized for their academic achievements and are highly respected by colleges and universities.
Scholarship Opportunities
National Merit Scholars are eligible for a variety of scholarship opportunities, including the National Merit Scholarship, the National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarship, and the National Merit Special Scholarship.
College Admission Advantages
National Merit Scholars are often given preference in college admissions decisions. Many colleges and universities offer special scholarships and programs for National Merit Scholars.
