Talented sophomores who scored high on the National Merit Selection Index on the PSAT should consider prepping over the summer for their October junior year PSAT.
Two PSAT scores to identify:
- What’s a “high score”
- How to find “Selection Index”
Who has a high score varies by state. In Ohio, where I live, LEAP has identified that 10th graders with Selection Index scores of 195+ have the potential of doing well enough after test prep to score within the range of National Merit Qualification on the October PSAT. Over the last several years, the range of 11th-grade qualifying scores has been 215 – 219.
For 10th graders who took the PSAT, the National Merit Selection Index can be found on page 2 of their PSAT report. Don’t have your report? You can access it online with these easy steps.
How to calculate PSAT "Selection Index".
To calculate your Selection Index, you simply add your three PSAT section scores together and then multiply the sum by 2. Section Scores are Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. The section score range is 8 to 38 on each section. This is different from your overall scores labeled: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math which range from 160 to 760.
For example, if you earned a 30 on Reading, 32 on Writing and Language, and 31 on Math. To find your Selection Index score, first add your section scores together: 30 + 32 + 31 = 93. Then, multiply the total by 2 (93 * 2 = 186). Your Selection Index score is 186.
Did your 10th grader miss taking the PSAT?
If you have an academically talented 10th grader who is ideally a year advanced in math, LEAP has a practice PSAT you can take at home to get a baseline and determine your Selection Index. Just send us an email to ask for the free PDF.
Live in Ohio? Have an SI of 195+? Don’t delay in contacting LEAP about PSAT prep the summer between 10th and 11th grade.