About AlternateEntry.com

An independent, information-only guide to NMSC's Alternate Entry route into the National Merit Scholarship Program.

What this site is

AlternateEntry.com explains one narrow thing well: how a student who legitimately could not take the PSAT/NMSQT can still enter the National Merit Scholarship Program with an SAT score, what NMSC requires, and what score it takes in each state. The site is written for students, parents and counselors, and it is free.

What this site is not

• It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to National Merit Scholarship Corporation or College Board. NMSC and National Merit are registered service marks of National Merit Scholarship Corporation; PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of NMSC and College Board.
• It is not a way around the PSAT. Alternate Entry requires a reason NMSC accepts, your school's signature and NMSC's approval, and it applies the same cutoffs. We say so on every page.
• It does not process applications or speak for NMSC. Requests go to ae@nmerit.net; questions to (847) 866-5100.

Where the information comes from

Program rules are taken from NMSC's published guidance (the Unable to Take the Test? page and the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide), and the state cutoffs from NMSC's annual Semifinalist announcements to news media and high schools. Content is reviewed each September when NMSC announces the new cutoffs; the current review date is September 27, 2026. If NMSC changes a rule, the rule wins; email us and we will correct the page.

Provider ratings

The test-prep comparison reflects the editors' opinion of each program's National Merit results, rigor, instructor quality, formats and value, with drawbacks reported by students and parents. Ratings are not paid placements. Verify current pricing and terms with each provider.

Contact

support@alternateentry.com for corrections, questions, or to have a name or detail removed.