If you’ve ever taken the PSAT, or even just thought about it, you’ve probably heard of the National Merit Scholarship. Maybe your first thought was, “Great, a scholarship!” Or perhaps you were left wondering, “What exactly is a National Merit Scholarship? Isn’t the PSAT all I need to worry about?”

The truth is, the PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship are closely linked, but the good news is that the scholarship is not something to “worry” about. Like all scholarships, it provides potential financial assistance for college, and simply by taking the PSAT, you’ve already taken the first step toward eligibility for this opportunity.

What is the National Merit Scholarship?

The National Merit Scholarship is a prestigious academic scholarship program available to U.S. high school students. Eligible students include those attending high school in the U.S., the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, or U.S. citizens studying abroad. Homeschooled students are also eligible.

This scholarship rewards students for high academic achievement, specifically through their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. Each year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognizes students with exceptional PSAT scores, offering financial awards funded by the NMSC itself, corporations, or colleges and universities.

Types of National Merit Scholarships

There are four main types of scholarships awarded through the National Merit Scholarship program:

• National Merit $2,500 Scholarships: A one-time award given directly by the NMSC to outstanding students.
• National Merit Special Scholarships: These scholarships, funded by corporations, are either one-time or renewable and are awarded to students who meet criteria set by the sponsor.
• Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarships: These can be one-time or renewable scholarships awarded by businesses to their employees’ children.
• College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships: Renewable scholarships given by colleges and universities to students who plan to attend their school.

What is a National Merit Scholar?

A National Merit Scholar is a student who completes all stages of the scholarship process after excelling on the PSAT. It’s an impressive title that comes with a great deal of academic recognition.

But becoming a National Merit Scholar isn’t automatic after taking the PSAT. Students must first become Semifinalists, then advance to Finalists, and finally, a select few are named National Merit Scholars. The process is rigorous, and only the top students who show outstanding academic performance are awarded this title.

However, it’s essential to remember that pursuing the National Merit Scholarship is optional. Some students might feel overwhelmed by the extra work involved in applying for this scholarship—especially on top of college applications. If that sounds like you, don’t stress! Only pursue it if you feel it’s a good fit for your goals and needs.

How Do You Qualify for a National Merit Scholarship?

The journey toward becoming a National Merit Scholar begins with taking the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Student Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This is different from the PSAT 10, so make sure you’re registering for the right test!

Here are the primary qualifications:

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT: This exam is usually taken in the 11th grade.
• Full-time high school enrollment: You must be a full-time high school student.
• Good academic standing: Students need to be progressing toward graduation and maintain strong grades.
• Plan to attend college in the fall after graduation: The scholarship is for students planning to enter college immediately after high school.
• Top 1% PSAT score in your state: This is the big one! You need to earn a score in the top 1% for your state. Each state has slightly different qualifying scores, but generally, you’ll need to aim for a Selection Index score of 218 or higher.

PSAT Selection Index

When discussing the PSAT/NMSQT in relation to the National Merit Scholarship, the most critical score is the Selection Index. This score ranges from 48 to 228 and is calculated by doubling the sum of your Reading, Writing and Language, and Math scores.

For example, let’s say you scored 33 in Reading, 33 in Writing, and 35 in Math. Here’s how you calculate your Selection Index:

33 + 33 + 35 = 101
101 x 2 = 202

Your Selection Index would be 202, but remember, the cutoff to qualify as a Semifinalist is typically higher, around 207 or more. This number varies slightly each year and depends on the overall performance of all students taking the PSAT.

Types of National Merit Scholarships

There are four distinct types of National Merit Scholarships available to students. Understanding each type will help you determine which one suits your needs best.

1. National Merit $2,500 Scholarships

These are one-time scholarships awarded to the most exceptional students in the program. They’re funded directly by the NMSC and are offered to finalists based on academic merit.

2. National Merit Special Scholarships

Special scholarships are provided by corporations, foundations, and businesses. They may be renewable or one-time awards, and they typically have specific criteria, such as the student’s intended field of study or the company their parent works for.

3. Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarships

Corporations also sponsor scholarships specifically for children of employees. These scholarships can either be a one-time gift or renewable, and they’re often awarded to students who are not necessarily National Merit Finalists but still show outstanding promise.

4. College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships

Many colleges and universities offer renewable scholarships to students who plan to attend their institution. The value and length of these awards vary but can cover several years of college expenses.

How Do You Become a National Merit Semifinalist?

Becoming a National Merit Semifinalist is a significant accomplishment. To achieve this status, students must take the following steps:

1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT: As mentioned earlier, this is the first requirement.
2. Score in the top 1%: Students with the highest PSAT scores in their state (about 16,000 out of 1.5 million test-takers) are named Semifinalists.
3. Maintain academic excellence: It’s not enough to just score well on the PSAT. Your high school grades must also reflect your academic prowess.

How Do You Apply for a National Merit Scholarship?

After achieving Semifinalist status, the process isn’t over! Here are the next steps:

1. October (Junior Year): Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
2. May (Senior Year): About 34,000 students are named Commended Students, and 16,000 are named Semifinalists.
3. September (Senior Year): Semifinalists submit a detailed application, including high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. They must also submit SAT scores to confirm their PSAT results.
4. February: Finalists are named (about 15,000 students).
5. March to May: The 8,500 students selected for National Merit Scholarships are announced.

How Many Students Get a National Merit Scholarship?

Out of the approximately 1.5 million students who take the PSAT each year, here’s how the numbers break down:

• 34,000 are recognized as Commended Students.
• 16,000 are named Semifinalists.
• 15,000 become Finalists.
• 8,500 students ultimately receive National Merit Scholarships.

Yes, it’s a long and competitive process, but with determination and focus, thousands of students make it through each year!

Conclusion

The National Merit Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students who excel academically and score high on the PSAT. While the process to become a National Merit Scholar is rigorous, the potential rewards—both financial and prestigious—can be well worth the effort.

Even if you don’t reach the Finalist or Scholar level, becoming a Semifinalist or Commended Student can still open doors to other scholarships and college opportunities. So, if you’re a high achiever, the National Merit Scholarship could be a fantastic chance to help fund your college education. see The Gates Scholarship

FAQs

1. What is the National Merit Scholarship?
The National Merit Scholarship is a program that awards high-achieving U.S. high school students based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores.

2. How do I qualify for the National Merit Scholarship?
You need to take the PSAT/NMSQT, score in the top 1% of your state, and submit a detailed application to advance through the scholarship stages.

3. What are the types of National Merit Scholarships?
The four types are National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, National Merit Special Scholarships, Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarships, and College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships.

4. How many students become National Merit Scholars?
Approximately 8,500 students receive National Merit Scholarships each year, out of 1.5 million who take the PSAT.

5. Can homeschooled students apply for the National Merit Scholarship?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible to participate and apply for the National Merit Scholarship program.