qualification for recognition is based on the student's combined verbal, math, and writing skill scores on the psat/nmsqt taken in the student's junior year of high school. psat score cut-offs vary each year by state, but typically range in the high 180s and low 190s. students must also self-identify as hispanic on the psat/nmsqt. a minimum grade point average is established for the program and this academic information is requested directly from the high schools.