Scores
ACT superscores after the 2025 changes
The current Composite uses English, Math and Reading. Science has a separate role, and colleges still choose their own policies.
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Read the guideThe bigger picture
Make your next step clearer.
Understand what SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT® and ACT® scores can mean for college and scholarships. Each guide links to the official sources and shows when we checked them.
Scholarships
Alabama National Merit: tuition, housing and the remaining budget
The University of Alabama offers different packages for Finalists and Semifinalists. Match the benefit list to your actual costs.
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Read the guideScholarships
Can National Merit cover college in Florida? Benacquisto and Bright Futures
How Benacquisto reaches a college’s cost-of-attendance budget, who qualifies, and how Bright Futures fits into the award.
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Read the guideScholarships
Georgia: how SAT or ACT scores can help with Zell Miller
The standard Zell Miller pathway uses a qualifying single-sitting score, a calculated GPA and rigorous courses.
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Read the guideScholarships
Mississippi National Merit scholarships: three college examples
Southern Miss, Ole Miss and Mississippi State attach different benefits to Semifinalist and Finalist recognition.
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Read the guideScores
National Merit cutoff history by state: 2024–2026
Compare three completed competitions using archived NMSC guides. These historical Selection Index values do not predict a future qualifying score.
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Read the guideScholarships
Oklahoma National Merit: compare the package, not just its headline
OU and Tulsa illustrate why recognition level, residency, award components and early deadlines all matter.
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Read the guideScores
PSAT/NMSQT scores and the National Merit Selection Index
A PSAT/NMSQT® total and a Selection Index measure the same test in different ways. Here is the arithmetic, with examples.
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Read the guideScores
Can you superscore the PSAT/NMSQT for National Merit?
National Merit® uses the qualifying test for your competition year, not a combination of your best sections from different years.
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Read the guideExam choice
PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 explained
PSAT/NMSQT® is one test. Learn how it differs from PSAT™ 10 and PSAT™ 8/9, and which test matters for National Merit®.
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Read the guideAdmissions
When SAT, ACT and PSAT/NMSQT scores matter for college
Required, optional and test-free policies lead to different decisions. Scholarship eligibility is another question.
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Read the guideScores
How an SAT superscore works
Combine the best Reading and Writing and Math scores only where the receiving college or scholarship accepts that method.
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Read the guideExam choice
SAT or ACT: compare the current tests
Use the current formats, your target colleges and timed practice to decide which exam deserves your preparation time.
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Read the guideScholarships
South Carolina: National Merit and competitive major scholarships
USC’s Finalist award and its Top Scholar competition are separate opportunities, with different residency amounts.
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Read the guideScholarships
National Merit scholarships in Texas: two cost-of-attendance options
Texas Tech and UNT offer substantial Finalist packages. Check the institution’s budget, first-choice deadline and renewal terms.
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Read the guide