For the state of California the estimated cutoff is 1470. This is based on the previous College Board’s concordance table for each state. (https://prepexpert.com/class-2017-national-merit-psat-cutoff-scores/)
The PSAT scoring consists of four scores:
PSAT/NMSQT total scores
The total score shown in the report reflects the combination (addition) of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score (160–760) with the Math section score (160–760). The total score reported range for the PSAT/NMSQT is 320–1520. The percentiles accompanying students’ scores have been derived from a research study.
PSAT/NMSQT section scores
Your students will receive two section scores, both in the range of 160–760:
» Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
» Math
These scores reflect students’ overall performance in each section. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score is a combination of the Reading Test score and the Writing and Language Test score. The Math section score is derived from the Math Test score (including both the Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator portions).
PSAT/NMSQT test scores and cross-test scores
In addition to the total and section scores, students will see three test scores in the range of 8–38, reflecting performance on the content covered in each of the tests:
» Reading
» Writing and Language
» Math
Students will also see two cross-test scores in the range of 8–38. These scores represent student
performance on items across the three tests that were in the domains of either:
» Analysis in History/Social Studies
» Analysis in Science
PSAT/NMSQT subscores
Finally, students receive subscores in the range of 1–15 that offer feedback on their performance in the following skill areas:
» Command of Evidence
» Words in Context
» Expression of Ideas
» Standard English Conventions
» Heart of Algebra
» Problem Solving and Data Analysis
» Passport to Advanced Math
(https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/2015-psat-nmsqt-understanding-scores.pdf)