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What is the National Merit Scholarship Program ?
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition in the United States that recognizes and rewards outstanding high school students for their exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Established in 1955, the program aims to identify and honor exceptionally talented students who demonstrate high academic potential.
Each year, approximately 1.5 million high school juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as an initial screening. From this pool of test-takers, around 50,000 students with the highest scores are designated as Commended Students, receiving recognition for their outstanding performance. Among these, approximately 16,000 become Semifinalists, based on a set selection index score determined by each state. Semifinalists are the top scorers in each state and represent the highest-scoring entrants in the entire competition.
To progress further in the competition, Semifinalists must fulfill additional requirements, including submitting a detailed application, obtaining a recommendation from a high school official, and providing a record of consistently high academic performance. From the Semifinalist pool, approximately 15,000 students become Finalists.
Finally, around 7,500 National Merit Scholarships are awarded annually. These scholarships are funded by a combination of corporate sponsors, businesses, colleges, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). There are three types of scholarships: National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships, and College-Sponsored Scholarships. The $2,500 Scholarships are awarded on a national level, while Corporate-Sponsored and College-Sponsored Scholarships are offered by specific organizations or institutions.
The National Merit Scholarship Program serves as a commendable recognition of academic excellence, providing significant financial support and opening doors to educational opportunities for some of the brightest and most promising students across the United States.
National Merit Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students must meet specific criteria and follow a series of steps. Here are the key requirements:
1) Take the PSAT/NMSQT: Participate in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during your junior year of high school. This is the initial screening test for the program.
2) Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident: You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) intending to become a U.S. citizen.
3) Attend a High School in the United States: Students attending high school in the United States, its territories, or U.S. citizens attending schools abroad are eligible.
4) Be Enrolled as a High School Student: You must be enrolled as a high school student, progressing normally toward graduation or completion of high school by the end of the academic year.
5) Plan to Enroll Full-Time in College: If you are selected as a Finalist, you must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited college or university in the United States for the following fall semester.
6) Score High on the PSAT/NMSQT: Achieve a high score on the PSAT/NMSQT. The exact cutoff scores vary by state and change annually. The highest-scoring students in each state are named Semifinalists.
7) Meet Any Additional Requirements from Sponsors: If you are a Finalist for a Corporate-Sponsored or College-Sponsored Scholarship, you may need to meet specific criteria set by the sponsoring organization or institution.
8) Take the SAT (if required): Some sponsors may require Finalists to take the SAT for further consideration. This requirement, however, is not set by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and varies by sponsor.
How Much is the National Merit Scholarship ?
The National Merit Scholarship provides varying amounts of financial aid, ranging from a one-time $2,500 award to multi-year scholarships offered by specific colleges and corporations, with some covering full tuition and additional benefits.
The amount of the National Merit Scholarship varies depending on the type of scholarship awarded. There are three main types of National Merit Scholarships:
1) National Merit $2,500 Scholarships: These are one-time scholarships awarded directly by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Each year, approximately 7,500 students receive this scholarship. As the name suggests, the award amount is $2,500.
2) Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships: These scholarships are provided by various corporations and businesses that support the National Merit Scholarship Program. The award amounts for these scholarships can vary widely depending on the sponsor. Some corporate-sponsored scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
3) College-Sponsored Scholarships: These scholarships are offered by specific colleges and universities to National Merit Finalists who plan to attend their institution. The award amounts and terms of these scholarships can vary greatly depending on the individual college or university.
It's important to note that while the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship is a one-time award, corporate-sponsored and college-sponsored scholarships may be renewable for multiple years, provided the recipient continues to meet the specified criteria.
How to Get National Merit Scholarship ?
To apply for the National Merit Scholarship, you need to follow a series of steps, which includes both initial qualification through the PSAT/NMSQT and then completing the application process. Here's a detailed guide on how to apply:
1) Take the PSAT/NMSQT: This is typically administered in October of your junior year. Make sure to register for the test through your school's guidance office.
2) Score High: To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, you'll need to perform exceptionally well on the PSAT/NMSQT. The exact cutoff scores vary by state and change annually. The highest-scoring students in each state are named Semifinalists.
3) Check Semifinalist Status: In September of your senior year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will notify Semifinalists through their high schools. You'll receive a Certificate of Semifinalist standing.
4) Fulfill Application Requirements: As a Semifinalist, you'll need to submit a detailed application that includes information about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and any honors or awards you've received. You'll also need to provide a recommendation from a high school official.
5) Maintain an Outstanding Academic Record: It's crucial to maintain high grades throughout your senior year. Your academic performance will be a factor in the final selection process.
6) Become a Finalist: From the pool of Semifinalists, approximately 15,000 students are selected as Finalists. This designation is typically announced in February.
7) Apply to Colleges and Universities: Continue applying to the colleges and universities of your choice. Being named a National Merit Finalist can be advantageous in the college application process and may open up additional scholarship opportunities.
8) Receive Scholarships: If you are selected as a Finalist, you'll be eligible for various National Merit Scholarships. These include National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships, and College-Sponsored Scholarships. The scholarships are awarded based on a combination of factors, including academic record, test scores, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
9) Accept the Scholarship: If you are selected as a recipient, you'll need to follow the instructions provided by the NMSC to accept the scholarship and receive the award.
National Merit Scholarship Dates
The specific dates for the National Merit Scholarship Program may vary slightly from year to year, but generally, the timeline is as follows:
- October of Junior Year: Take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
- September of Senior Year: Semifinalists are notified through their high schools.
- February of Senior Year: Finalists are announced.
- March through June of Senior Year: Corporate-Sponsored and College-Sponsored Scholarships are awarded.
- April through July: National Merit $2,500 Scholarships are awarded.
Here are the National Merit Scholarship Program 2024 Dates Announcements
- September 13, 2023: Semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program
- April 24, 2024: Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners
- May 8, 2024: National Merit $2500 Scholarship Winners
- June 5, 2024: College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners
- July 15, 2024: Additional College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners
It's important to consult the official National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) website or your high school's guidance office for the most up-to-date information regarding specific dates and deadlines for each year's competition.
FAQ's
Who is eligible for National Merit scholarship?
To qualify, you must take the PSAT/NMSQT, be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, attend a U.S. high school, plan to enroll full-time in college, achieve a high score on the PSAT/NMSQT, and meet other specific eligibility criteria.
When do I take the PSAT/NMSQT?
The PSAT/NMSQT is typically administered in October of your junior year of high school.
What are the benefits of becoming a National Merit Finalist?
Being named a National Merit Finalist can enhance your college applications, and it makes you eligible for various National Merit Scholarships, including the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship and other sponsored scholarships.
How are National Merit Scholarship recipients selected?
Recipients are selected based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, academic record, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and other accomplishments.
Are National Merit Scholarships renewable?
The National Merit $2,500 Scholarship is a one-time award. However, some corporate-sponsored and college-sponsored scholarships may be renewable for multiple years.
Can international students participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program?
No, the program is only open to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Can homeschooled students participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program?
Yes, homeschooled students can participate, but they must meet certain eligibility requirements and provide documentation of their academic achievements.
What PSAT score needed for National Merit scholarship?
The National Merit Scholarship PSAT Score varies by state and year, as it is determined by the selection index, which is based on a combination of the Math, Reading, and Writing & Language section scores. Your section scores, which range from 8 to 38 each, are added by NMSC, and the result is multiplied by 2 to get this. Thus, the 48 to 228 range of Selection Index.
How to become a National Merit Scholarship finalist?
To become a Finalist, you must first take the PSAT/NMSQT, score high enough to qualify as a Semifinalist (typically in the top 1% of test-takers in your state), then fulfill academic and other requirements set by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.