The National Merit Scholarship Program

Name: The National Merit Scholarship Program

Award Amount: Up to $2,500 per year; additional awards available through corporate sponsors and participating colleges

Information and Eligibility:
The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States, designed to recognize and reward exceptional high school students for their academic achievements and leadership potential. Established in 1955, the program is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and provides several types of scholarships: National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards, and college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards.

To participate, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year of high school. High scorers—approximately the top 1% of test takers in each state—are named Semifinalists. From this group, students must submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes information on academic performance, participation in school and community activities, leadership roles, employment, honors, and awards. A recommendation from a high school official and a confirmed SAT or ACT score are also required to advance to Finalist standing.

Finalists are then considered for scholarships based on their academic record, standardized test scores, extracurricular achievements, leadership qualities, and potential for success in college. Each year, about 7,500 Finalists receive scholarships, with award types and amounts varying based on the sponsoring organization.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Enrollment: Must be a U.S. high school student progressing toward graduation and planning to enroll in college full-time by the fall following high school graduation.
• Test Requirement: Must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the junior year and meet state-specific cutoff scores to be named a Semifinalist.
• Academic Record: Must have a consistently strong academic performance through high school.
• Recommendation: Must receive a written endorsement from a high school official.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident intending to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity permitted by law.

Deadline: Varies by state; PSAT/NMSQT is taken in October of the junior year, with scholarship applications due in the fall of the senior year (typically September).

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