Over $35 million are allotted to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) each year to support the National Merit Scholarship program, making it one of the most significant academic awards in the country. Being named a National Merit Semi-Finalist, Finalist, or Scholar is a prestigious academic achievement. It can significantly improve your college applications.
It can also open doors to additional opportunities, including internships, networking events, and career development programs offered by sponsoring organizations. Striving for National Merit recognition can have far-reaching benefits, both academically and financially. Let’s magnify it.
What is a National Merit Scholarship?
A National Merit Scholarship is a prestigious academic award in the United States, primarily awarded to high school students based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). The program is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a nonprofit organization.
Here’s how it generally works:
- PSAT/NMSQT: Students take the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year of high school. This test serves as an initial screening for the National Merit Scholarship program.
- Selection Process: The NMSC identifies students who score exceptionally well on the PSAT/NMSQT. These high scorers are recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. Typically, about 1% of test takers qualify as Semifinalists.
- SAT: Semifinalists must then take the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and achieve a confirming score that confirms their earlier PSAT performance.
Related: How to Study for the SAT [Updated 2024]
- Semifinalists: Semifinalists must also submit a detailed application to the NMSC, which includes academic records, an essay, extracurricular activities, honors, awards, and other notable positions.
- Finalists: From the Semifinalist pool, a similarly fewer number of students are selected as Finalists, those who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential and a strong record of accomplishments.
- Scholarship Winners: Finally, a select number of Finalists are chosen as National Merit Scholarship winners. These winners receive scholarships sponsored by the NMSC, corporations, colleges, and universities.
When Do You Take the PSAT?
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT), specifically the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is typically taken by high school students in their junior year. In the United States, it is administered once a year in October.
| NOTE: Some students may choose to take the PSAT as sophomores (10th grade) as a practice test to become familiar with the format and content. However, only the junior-year PSAT/NMSQT scores can qualify students for National Merit Scholarship consideration. |
Schools typically handle the registration process for the PSAT/NMSQT. Students should check with their school counselor or administration for specific registration deadlines and procedures.
Related: Overcoming Test Anxiety: 8 Helpful Tips to Mentally Prepare for the SAT / ACT
How to Get a National Merit Scholarship?
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive flow that outlines the progression from initial PSAT/NMSQT testing through to the announcement of scholarship recipients, detailing each stage of recognition within the National Merit Scholarship Program.
1,300,000 ENTRANTS:
- In October 2023, U.S. high school juniors took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
- These students are primarily juniors intending to start college in 2025.
- The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses scores from the PSAT/NMSQT, specifically the Selection Index derived from Reading, Writing, and Math sections, to identify potential candidates.
50,000 HIGH SCORERS:
- In April 2024, NMSC identified approximately 50,000 students as high scorers based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores.
- High school principals reviewed and verified the eligibility of these students.
34,000 COMMENDED STUDENTS:
- By late September 2024, more than two-thirds of the high scorers (approximately 34,000 students) will be qualified as Commended Students.
- Commended Students receive Letters of Commendation recognizing their exceptional academic promise.
- They do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships but may qualify for Special Scholarships provided by corporate and business sponsors.
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16,000 SEMIFINALISTS:
- In early September 2024, about one-third of the high scorers (approximately 16,000 students) will be qualified as Semifinalists.
- Semifinalists represent the highest-scoring students in each state.
- They receive scholarship application materials explaining the requirements to advance in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, which will be awarded in 2025. These materials typically include:
- Instructions: Detailed instructions on how to proceed in the competition, including deadlines and requirements.
- Forms: Application forms that Semifinalists need to fill out to continue in the competition.
- Essay Prompts: Topics for essays that Semifinalists must write as part of their application. These essays often focus on personal achievements, goals, and experiences.
Related: How To Get A College Application Fee Waiver
15,000 FINALISTS:
- By February 2025, Finalists will be selected from the Semifinalists’ list based on academic records, recommendations, essays, and SAT scores.
- Approximately 15,000 students are named as Finalists.
- They’ll receive Certificates of Merit attesting to their standing in the program.
- All National Merit Scholars will be chosen from this group of Finalists based on their demonstrated abilities, skills, and accomplishments.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS:
740 Special Scholarship Recipients: Beginning in March 2025, NMSC will notify winners of Special Scholarships provided by corporate sponsors.
- These recipients are outstanding students who meet specific eligibility criteria set by sponsors.
- Sponsor organizations handle public announcements of their Special Scholarship winners.
7,140 Merit Scholarship Winners: Also starting in March 2025, NMSC will announce winners of three types of National Merit Scholarships:
- National Merit $2500 Scholarships: Awarded directly by NMSC.
- Corporate-sponsored scholarships: Funded by businesses and organizations.
- College-sponsored scholarships: Offered by universities and colleges.
Conclusion
The National Merit Scholarship is a highly competitive yet rewarding opportunity for students who excel academically. But don’t be disheartened by the competition. There are far many other means to finding a viable financial aid option to fund your college education.
You can start by filling out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for federal grants and loans. States also offer grants and scholarships based on where you live and your academic achievements. Colleges themselves often have scholarships for students with good grades or special talents, which can help lower your costs.
Related: How to Pay for College Without Loans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Finalists list is announced in early February every year. You can receive the Finalist letter by mail at your home address or access it through your Online Scholarship Application (OSA) dashboard. Additionally, your Certificate of Merit will be sent directly to your high school principal.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) offers several scholarships with varying amounts, including the one-time National Merit $2500 Scholarships funded by NMSC, corporate-sponsored awards for children of employees ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per year for renewable offer and $2,500 to $5,000 for one-time award, and college-sponsored awards from $500 to $2,000 per year. Additionally, special scholarships provided by corporate sponsors vary widely in amount depending upon their criteria for selection. Also, no student can receive more than one NMSC scholarship offer.
A good score to get enlisted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is between 1210 and 1520. For any given year, the average score on the PSAT/NMSQT is about 1010 for the junior year. But that won’t cut it. You need to be in the top 1% of test-scorers in your state, plus, be a part of the top 50,000 students nationally to receive some kind of recognition. The NMSC uses a Selection Index calculated using the scores from your reading and writing and math sections to rank those 50,000 students. The Index score ranges from 48 to 228. You should aim for a score of 220 and higher.
To qualify as a National Merit Scholar, you must score highly on the PSAT/NMSQT during your junior year and meet U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident requirements. You need to be named a semifinalist based on your state’s cutoff scores and then advance to finalist status by submitting a detailed scholarship application, including an essay, academic records, extracurricular activities, and recommendations from high school officials. Moreover, you must achieve SAT scores that confirm your PSAT/NMSQT performance and maintain an outstanding academic record.
About 16,000 students out of approximately 1.5 million test-takers become Semi-Finalists, representing less than 1% of high school seniors. Around 15,000 of the Semi-Finalists advance to Finalist status based on their application materials and academic performance. Out of the Finalists, approximately 7,500 students are awarded different types of National Merit Scholarships.
In the latest reported year, approximately 2,500 students were awarded the $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.
