The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual competition for high school students in the United States. Students who score in the top 1% on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) are eligible to enter the competition. Approximately 16,000 students are named National Merit Semifinalists each year.
Eligibility and Deadlines
- To be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Be enrolled as a high school senior in the US in the fall of the year of the competition
- Score in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT
- The deadline to register for the PSAT/NMSQT is October 12th of the student’s junior year.
- The deadline to submit the National Merit Scholarship Application is October 1st of the student’s senior year.
Selection Process
- Students who qualify as National Merit Semifinalists must submit a full application to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
- The application includes information about the student’s academic record, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience.
- The NMSC uses three factors to select National Merit Finalists:
- The student’s PSAT/NMSQT score
- The student’s academic record
- The student’s application
Awards
- Approximately 15,000 students are named National Merit Finalists each year.
- Of these students, about 7,500 receive National Merit Scholarships.
- National Merit Scholarships range in amount from $2,500 to $10,000.
- In addition to the National Merit Scholarships, there are also corporate-sponsored scholarships, college-sponsored scholarships, and special scholarships for students from underrepresented groups.
Benefits
- National Merit Scholarships are a prestigious honor that can help students pay for college.
- In addition to the financial benefits, National Merit Scholarships can also open doors to other opportunities, such as internships and research experiences.
- National Merit Scholars are also more likely to be accepted to the most selective colleges and universities.
Tips
- Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT by taking practice tests and studying the test format.
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT seriously, as it is the first step in the National Merit Scholarship competition.
- If you qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist, be sure to submit a strong application to the NMSC.
- The National Merit Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for high school students to earn money for college. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of being named a National Merit Scholar.
Additional Information
- The National Merit Scholarship Program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
- The NMSC is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1955.
- The NMSC’s mission is to recognize and honor the nation’s most talented high school students.
- The National Merit Scholarship Program is funded by a variety of sources, including corporations, foundations, and individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a National Merit Semifinalist and a National Merit Finalist?
- National Merit Semifinalists are students who score in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT. National Merit Finalists are students who are selected from the pool of Semifinalists based on their academic record, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience.
- How many National Merit Scholarships are awarded each year?
- Approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships are awarded each year.
- What is the average amount of a National Merit Scholarship?
- The average amount of a National Merit Scholarship is $2,500.
- What are the benefits of being a National Merit Scholar?
- National Merit Scholars receive a financial award that can help them pay for college. In addition to the financial benefits, National Merit Scholars are also more likely to be accepted to the most selective colleges and universities.
Resources
Conclusion
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for high school students to earn money for college. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of being named a National Merit Scholar.