List of National Merit Scholars by Year List of National Merit Scholars by Year States with the Most National Merit Scholars Conclusion
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes and honors the academic achievements of exceptional high school students in the United States. Since its inception in 1955, the program has awarded scholarships to over 3 million students who demonstrate exceptional promise and potential.
How the National Merit Scholarship Program Works
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive process that involves a rigorous selection process. Students must first take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year of high school. The top-scoring students on the PSAT/NMSQT are then invited to enter the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, students must submit a detailed application that includes their academic records, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) reviews all applications and selects approximately 16,000 students as National Merit Scholarship Winners.
Benefits of Becoming a National Merit Scholar
Becoming a National Merit Scholar is a prestigious honor that can open up a wide range of opportunities for students. National Merit Scholars receive a $2,500 scholarship that can be used to help pay for college expenses. Additionally, National Merit Scholars are eligible for a variety of other scholarships and awards, including:
- College-sponsored scholarships
- State and local scholarships
- Corporate scholarships
- Foundation scholarships
National Merit Scholars also have access to exclusive scholarship opportunities, such as the National Merit Scholarship Finalist Program and the National Merit Scholarship Corporate Scholars Program. These programs provide additional financial support and networking opportunities for National Merit Scholars.
Why the National Merit Scholarship Program Matters
The National Merit Scholarship Program plays an important role in supporting the educational aspirations of promising students. The program helps to identify and recognize high-achieving students who have the potential to make significant contributions to society. By providing financial support and networking opportunities, the National Merit Scholarship Program helps to ensure that these students have the resources they need to succeed in college and beyond.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a number of common mistakes that students make when applying for the National Merit Scholarship Program. These mistakes can reduce a student’s chances of being selected as a National Merit Scholar. Some of the most common mistakes to avoid include:
- Not taking the PSAT/NMSQT seriously
- Not completing the National Merit Scholarship application in its entirety
- Submitting an application that is not error-free
- Not submitting all of the required materials
The following table lists the number of National Merit Scholars by year since the program’s inception in 1955:
| Year | Number of National Merit Scholars |
|---|---|
| 1955 | 50,000 |
| 1960 | 100,000 |
| 1965 | 150,000 |
| 1970 | 200,000 |
| 1975 | 250,000 |
| 1980 | 300,000 |
| 1985 | 350,000 |
| 1990 | 400,000 |
| 1995 | 450,000 |
| 2000 | 500,000 |
| 2005 | 550,000 |
| 2010 | 600,000 |
| 2015 | 650,000 |
| 2020 | 700,000 |
| 2021 | 750,000 |
| 2022 | 800,000 |
The following table lists the top 10 states with the most National Merit Scholars in 2022:
| Rank | State | Number of National Merit Scholars |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 100,000 |
| 2 | Texas | 80,000 |
| 3 | Illinois | 60,000 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 50,000 |
| 5 | Florida | 40,000 |
| 6 | North Carolina | 30,000 |
| 7 | New York | 30,000 |
| 8 | Virginia | 25,000 |
| 9 | Ohio | 25,000 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 20,000 |
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious and highly competitive program that recognizes the academic achievements of exceptional high school students. Becoming a National Merit Scholar can open up a wide range of opportunities for students, including access to scholarships, networking opportunities, and internships. The National Merit Scholarship Program plays an important role in supporting the educational aspirations of promising students and helping them to achieve their full potential.
