Which PSAT counts for National Merit? Only one: the PSAT/NMSQT, taken in the specific year of high school NMSC assigns you -- junior year for almost everyone. The PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 never count, no matter how high the score, and a sophomore's PSAT/NMSQT score doesn't count either for a student on the usual four-year track.
This matters because, per NMSC, a student can compete in only one specific competition year. Taking the right test in the wrong year means sitting out.
Which PSAT counts for National Merit: the test
For the Class of 2028, the qualifying test is the 2026 PSAT/NMSQT, given October 1-30, 2026. NMSC states it directly: the PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 "will NOT be considered" for entry. All three share College Board's score scale, so the PSAT 10 is useful practice, but it can't make you a Semifinalist.
Which year counts, by high school path
| Your path through high school | Which PSAT/NMSQT counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Four years (the usual 9-12) | Junior year (grade 11) | Taking it as a sophomore is practice only; you must retake it as a junior |
| Three years or less (finishing early) | Next-to-last or last year of high school | Next-to-last year: awards as you finish high school. Last year: awards the year after you finish |
| Dual enrolled in high school and college | Third year of high school | Same as four-year students; your high school confirms your status |
| Five years to finish grades 9-12 | Third year, then again in fourth year | Needs NMSC's written approval, and your recognition can't exceed what your third-year score earned |
A sophomore who takes the 2026 PSAT/NMSQT on the four-year track isn't in the 2028 program. They enter the next one by taking the test again in October 2027, which awards scholarships in 2029.
The entry questions on test day
Entry isn't automatic. During setup, students answer three questions that decide whether their Selection Index is considered:
- Are you enrolled as a high school student (traditional or homeschooled)?
- When will you complete or leave high school and enroll full-time in college?
- How many total years will you spend in grades 9-12?
Students testing outside the United States are also asked about U.S. citizenship. NMSC's rule for them: be a U.S. citizen, or a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have a pending application) who intends to become a citizen.
If you answer wrong, your Selection Index can be marked as not considered. The NMSC section of your score report shows your answers and whether your score counts. Corrections go through NMSC's online update form, and for the 2028 program they're accepted until October 15, 2027.
If something went wrong
- You missed the test for illness or an emergency: there's an Alternate Entry route, with a request deadline of April 1, 2027.
- You took it but felt it went badly: you can ask NMSC not to use your Selection Index, but only within five days of the test.
- Your situation doesn't fit any of the paths above: NMSC says to contact it directly and immediately.
Once you know your score counts, the next question is whether it's high enough -- see last year's National Merit cutoffs by state.