Want to know more about the National Merit Scholarship?
What are the eligibility requirements for the National Merit Scholarship?
To be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in the specified year of high school (typically junior year), be enrolled as a high school student (traditional or homeschooled), plan to enroll in college no later than the fall following high school graduation, and be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. lawful permanent resident intending to become a citizen. Meeting these requirements qualifies a student to be considered in the National Merit Scholarship Program, but high PSAT/NMSQT scores are critical for further advancement in the competition.
The initial screening hinges heavily on performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. Each state has its own Selection Index score cutoff, which is calculated based on the student's critical reading, math, and writing skills scores. Achieving or exceeding this cutoff makes a student a "Commended Student" or a "Semifinalist," with the latter representing the top scorers in each state. Commended Students receive a Letter of Commendation but do not continue in the scholarship competition. Semifinalists must then fulfill several additional requirements to advance to the Finalist stage. These requirements include submitting a detailed scholarship application that provides information about their academic record, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and any honors and awards received. They must also write an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm their PSAT performance. Finally, the high school principal must endorse the Semifinalist's application and provide a recommendation. Meeting all these requirements is essential for a Semifinalist to be considered for a National Merit Scholarship.How much money is awarded through the National Merit Scholarship program?
The National Merit Scholarship program awards over $31 million each year to approximately 7,500 students. These awards come in three main forms: National Merit $2500 Scholarships, Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships, and College-sponsored Merit Scholarships, each with varying amounts and eligibility criteria.
The $2500 scholarships, administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) itself, offer a one-time payment of $2500. Approximately 2,500 of these scholarships are awarded annually and are awarded on a state-representational basis. Corporate-sponsored scholarships are funded by businesses and foundations. Award amounts vary considerably based on the sponsor, and many are renewable for up to four years of college. Eligibility may be restricted to children of employees, residents of communities where the company operates, or those pursuing specific fields of study. College-sponsored Merit Scholarships are awarded by individual colleges and universities to National Merit Finalists who have indicated that institution as their first choice. These scholarships are also renewable and vary greatly in amount, often covering a significant portion of tuition, fees, room, and board. The specific award amount and renewal criteria are determined by the sponsoring college. Therefore, the total financial benefit a National Merit Scholar receives can range from a one-time $2500 payment to tens of thousands of dollars over the course of their undergraduate education.What is the PSAT/NMSQT and its role in National Merit selection?
The PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a standardized test administered primarily to high school sophomores and juniors. Its primary role in the National Merit Scholarship Program is to serve as the qualifying exam. Students who achieve exceptionally high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year can qualify for recognition and potential scholarship opportunities through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
The PSAT/NMSQT assesses skills in reading, writing and language, and math, mirroring the content and format of the SAT. While sophomores may take the PSAT/NMSQT for practice and to gain familiarity with standardized testing, it is the junior year PSAT/NMSQT scores that are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Each state has its own "Selection Index Score" cutoff, which is calculated by doubling the sum of the student's Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Skills scores. This means that the score required to qualify varies from state to state, reflecting differences in academic performance and competition across the country. Qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program is a multi-stage process. Students who meet their state's cutoff are notified as "Commended Students." From the pool of Commended Students, a smaller percentage with the very highest scores are designated as "Semifinalists." These Semifinalists then have the opportunity to submit an application, including essays, transcripts, and recommendations, demonstrating their academic record, extracurricular involvement, and leadership abilities. From this pool of Semifinalists, National Merit Scholars are selected and awarded scholarships. Therefore, the PSAT/NMSQT score acts as the initial gateway for entry into this prestigious scholarship program, opening doors to potential financial aid and academic recognition.What criteria beyond test scores are considered for the scholarship?
Beyond the PSAT/NMSQT scores, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) meticulously evaluates a student's academic record, including the difficulty of courses taken, grades earned, and class rank (if available). Equally important are the student's written essay, their extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and any significant accomplishments. A recommendation from a high school official also plays a crucial role in portraying the student's character and potential.
The NMSC aims to identify well-rounded students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a commitment to their communities and possess the potential to become future leaders. The selection process emphasizes a holistic review, considering both academic prowess and personal attributes. The essay allows students to showcase their personality, goals, and unique experiences, providing context beyond grades and test scores. Similarly, participation and leadership in extracurricular activities demonstrate a student's ability to manage multiple commitments, work collaboratively, and make a positive impact outside the classroom. Ultimately, the National Merit Scholarship seeks to recognize and support students who exhibit a combination of outstanding academic achievement, exceptional character, and a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to society. The recommendation from a school official provides an essential third-party perspective on these qualities, further informing the NMSC's selection process. This comprehensive approach ensures that the scholarship is awarded to deserving students who demonstrate the potential for future success in college and beyond.How does a student become a National Merit Finalist?
A student becomes a National Merit Finalist by first taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in their junior year of high school and achieving a score that meets or exceeds their state's Selection Index cutoff. Then, if selected as a Semifinalist, they must fulfill several requirements to advance to Finalist standing, including submitting a detailed scholarship application with information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and educational goals. They must also earn high SAT or ACT scores confirming their PSAT/NMSQT performance, and receive a strong recommendation from their high school principal.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses a multi-step process to identify and select Finalists. Approximately 1.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year, and only about 50,000 with the highest scores in each state qualify as Semifinalists. These Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Meeting the state's cutoff score is the initial hurdle, and these cutoffs vary significantly by state. The NMSC sets the cutoffs based on the distribution of scores across the country to ensure representation from each state proportional to its share of the national graduating seniors. Once named a Semifinalist, the real work begins. The scholarship application requires detailed essays and information, highlighting the student's achievements and aspirations. The student's academic record, including grades and course rigor, is carefully evaluated. Participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service are also important factors. The endorsement from the high school principal carries significant weight, as it provides the NMSC with an assessment of the student's character and potential. Ultimately, approximately 15,000 students achieve Finalist standing, competing for various Merit Scholarship awards funded by the NMSC and corporate sponsors.What are the different types of National Merit Scholarships offered?
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) offers three main types of scholarships to high-achieving students: National Merit $2500 Scholarships, Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships, and College-sponsored Merit Scholarships.
The National Merit $2500 Scholarships are awarded to approximately 2,500 students selected by a committee of NMSC judges. Winners are chosen based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments—as evidenced by their PSAT/NMSQT scores, high school academic record, written essay, leadership and contributions in school and community activities, and a recommendation from a high school official. These scholarships are a one-time award of $2500.
Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships are provided by businesses and foundations that wish to support the academic pursuits of talented students. These scholarships can be either renewable for up to four years of college or one-time awards. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the sponsor's specific guidelines, and often focus on students pursuing particular fields of study, those who are children of employees, or those residing in communities where the sponsor has a significant presence.
College-sponsored Merit Scholarships are awarded by individual colleges and universities to National Merit Finalists who have indicated the institution as their first choice when applying to the NMSC. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the student remains in good academic standing and fulfills any other requirements set by the college. The award amount varies considerably depending on the institution.
What is the timeline for the National Merit Scholarship competition?
The National Merit Scholarship competition follows a roughly two-year cycle, beginning with the PSAT/NMSQT administration in October of a student's junior year of high school and culminating in scholarship announcements from the following spring through summer of their senior year.
The timeline hinges on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) taken in October. This test serves as the initial screening for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who achieve high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT, typically within the top 1% in their state, are notified the following September that they qualify as Semifinalists. These Semifinalists must then fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist stage. The Semifinalist stage involves a detailed application process. Semifinalists must submit a comprehensive application, which includes their academic record, extracurricular activities, a personal essay, and a recommendation from a school official. They must also confirm their PSAT/NMSQT scores and earn SAT scores that confirm their earlier performance. This application is usually due in early to mid-October. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) then evaluates these applications, and in February, students are notified if they have advanced to Finalist standing. Scholarship winners are announced in multiple releases, beginning in the spring and continuing through the summer, often coinciding with college enrollment decisions.Hopefully, this has given you a good overview of the National Merit Scholarship! It's a pretty awesome opportunity, and if you're eligible, definitely worth pursuing. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back again soon for more helpful info!